India has denied US claims that tariff threats by former President Donald Trump helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan earlier this month. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that discussions with the US during Operation Sindoor, which targeted Pakistan-based terror camps, never included tariffs. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the ceasefire was directly negotiated between New Delhi and Islamabad. The clarification follows a US court filing where Trump’s administration cited trade leverage as a diplomatic tool to avert war. However, the judge rejected the justification, blocking Trump's proposed tariffs from taking effect. (PC: India Today)

On May 29, 2025, India introduced a revamped visa system for Afghan nationals, unveiling the 'New AFGHAN Visa' module on its official portal. This initiative offers six distinct visa categories, with a primary focus on medical visas, which will be assessed individually. The move signifies India's cautious yet progressive engagement with Afghanistan under Taliban governance. Additionally, the policy permits Afghan nationals to reside in India for up to two years on humanitarian grounds, granting exemptions from police reporting for individuals below 12 or above 65 years of age. This development follows the Taliban's appeal to India to facilitate visas for Afghan students, patients, and businessmen. (PC: Firstpost)  

In a significant admission, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that India launched preemptive BrahMos missile strikes on key Pakistani airbases during the night of May 9–10, 2025. The strikes, part of India's Operation Sindoor, targeted 11 military installations, including the strategic Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. Sharif revealed that Pakistan had planned retaliatory action for early May 10, but India's swift offensive disrupted these plans. The operation was a response to Pakistan's drone and missile attacks on Indian civilian areas. Satellite imagery has since confirmed extensive damage to Pakistani military infrastructure, highlighting the precision and impact of India's strikes. (PC: India Today)      

India has suspended the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the decision reflects growing frustration over Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. The treaty, signed in 1960, governs water-sharing of the Indus river system between the two nations. India declared the suspension will remain until Pakistan dismantles terrorist infrastructure. Additionally, India has shut the Wagah-Attari border crossing, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and revoked all Pakistani visas. (PC: PTI)  

During a visit to Saudi Arabia, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi refuted Pakistan's claim of representing all Muslims, asserting that India is home to 240 million proud Muslims. He criticized Pakistan for spreading false narratives about Indian Muslims and supporting terrorism. Owaisi urged Pakistan to dismantle extremist groups to bring regional peace and called on the international community to reinstate Pakistan on the FATF grey list. Highlighting Pakistan's alleged ties with terrorists, he cited a photograph showing Pakistan's army chief with a US-designated terrorist. Owaisi is part of a multi-party Indian delegation visiting Gulf countries to inform them about India's counter-terrorism efforts and address concerns following recent terror attacks. (PC: ANI & Ummid)

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canada’s new Foreign Minister Anita Anand held a telephonic conversation on May 25, marking the first high-level contact since Mark Carney became Prime Minister. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, deepening economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities, indicating an effort to reset the strained relationship between the two countries, impacted by allegations made by former PM Justin Trudeau. Anand, a prominent Indian-origin Canadian lawyer and politician, has held several key positions within the Trudeau Caucus. Known for her disciplined and focused approach, she has been described as a “fixer” within the Canadian government. Her appointment as Foreign Minister in Carney’s cabinet is seen as a step to build trust, given her condemnation of hate speech against Indian diplomats and violent imagery by Sikh extremists. During Trudeau’s regime, bilateral ties plummeted to historic lows, catalyzed by the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and subsequent allegations, leading to diplomatic expulsions and suspended trade negotiations. Anand’s pragmatic outlook and professionalism position her well to handle the delicate situation of India-Canada ties. (PC: Sputnik India & Hindustan Times)

On May 28, 2025, Rajasthan intelligence detained Sakur Khan Mangaliya, a state government employee and former personal assistant to senior Congress leader Shale Mohammad, on suspicion of spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Khan, currently employed in the state's employment office in Jaisalmer, was apprehended following intelligence inputs about his alleged connections with a Pakistani Embassy official and possible links with the ISI. Investigators discovered multiple unknown Pakistani numbers on his mobile phone, which he failed to explain. During questioning, Khan admitted to visiting Pakistan six to seven times. His financial records are under scrutiny. The arrest is part of a broader national crackdown on espionage networks, known as Operation Sindoor. (PC: India Today)

On May 29, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked former President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs, ruling he exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Trump administration argued the tariffs were vital for foreign policy, claiming they facilitated the May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire by offering both nations U.S. trading access to avert full-scale war. Commerce Secretary Howard W. Lutnick warned that limiting presidential power could destabilize the region. However, India rejected the U.S.'s claimed role, stating the ceasefire resulted from direct military talks. The court emphasized it does not assess the effectiveness of using tariffs as leverage. (PC: Outlook India & ABC)

Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK, eliminating over 100 militants. In a bid to internationalize its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, India sent seven all-party delegations to 30 countries. These teams, comprising over 40 MPs, engaged with foreign governments, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora. Nations including Greece, Panama, and Saudi Arabia voiced strong support for India’s stance. The Indian diaspora echoed this backing, amplifying India’s message globally and calling for unified global action against terrorism. (PC: ANI)

On May 29, 2025, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, including a Nepali national. During a meeting with an Indian multi-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Acha emphasized Panama's commitment to combating terrorism and denounced nations that serve as safe havens for terrorists. He stated, "We cannot tolerate any kind of terrorism. We cannot tolerate countries sponsoring terrorism." The Indian delegation, visiting Panama as part of a global outreach following the attack, also met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and National Assembly President Dana Castaneda, securing Panama's support in India's war against terror. (PC: ANI)