Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, an event marking the Soviet Union's triumph in World War II. The Kremlin confirmed Modi’s absence, though India-Russia ties remain strong. Modi’s decision is seen as a strategic diplomatic move amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict and increasing scrutiny from Western allies. India continues to walk a tightrope, maintaining defense ties with Russia while deepening global partnerships. This reflects New Delhi’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy aligned with evolving international dynamics and national interests. (AP)

Tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) have intensified following a deadly April 22 militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, mostly Indian tourists. India has blamed Pakistan-based militants for the assault, prompting a series of strong retaliatory actions including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and visa bans for Pakistanis. Cross-border firing has continued for days, with drone incursions and military casualties reported on both sides. Pakistan, citing intelligence inputs, fears an imminent Indian strike. International bodies like the UN and U.S. have urged both nations to show restraint and de-escalate. (PC: Mathurbhumi English)  

On April 30, 2025, the Pakistan Army again violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, targeting areas including Naushera, Sunderbani, Akhnoor, Baramulla, and Kupwara. This marks the sixth consecutive day of cross-border firing since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. India has blamed Pakistan-based terrorists for the attack, a charge Pakistan denies. In response, the Indian Army launched targeted retaliatory strikes. The continued violations have heightened regional tensions, raising international concerns about potential escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations. The situation remains volatile amid global calls for restraint. (PC: India Today)  

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has warned that India may launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, citing credible intelligence inputs. The alert comes amid rising tensions after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 Indian tourists—an incident India blames on Pakistan-based militants. Pakistan has denied involvement and accused India of fabricating pretexts for escalation. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that while Pakistan seeks peace, any Indian aggression would be met with a strong response, escalating regional concerns of potential conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: AFP)  

On April 29, 2025, Pakistan’s military announced it had shot down an Indian surveillance quadcopter that allegedly crossed into Pakistani-controlled airspace in the Bhimber sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives—mostly Indian tourists. India blames Pakistan-based militants for the attack, while Pakistan denies involvement. The shootdown adds to the already volatile situation along the Line of Control, as both nations remain on high military alert. Global powers, including the U.S., have urged restraint and renewed dialogue between the nuclear neighbors. (PC: Arab News)    

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mark J. Carney on becoming Canada’s new Prime Minister following Justin Trudeau’s resignation. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi emphasized the importance of shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties between India and Canada. He expressed optimism about working with the new leadership to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The message comes after a period of diplomatic tension caused by Trudeau’s allegations against India in 2023. With Carney’s election, there is renewed hope for improving India-Canada relations and opening new avenues for collaboration. (PC: AP)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. In separate conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, Guterres emphasized the need to avoid conflict and pursue justice through legal channels. India has responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani military officials, and closing the Attari land post. Pakistan warned of an “act of war” and hinted at an Indian military incursion. India has given its armed forces operational freedom to respond decisively to the attack. (PC: AP)

Mark Carney, newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, is expected to usher in a reset in India-Canada relations, distancing his leadership from the strained legacy of Justin Trudeau. Carney's Liberals have secured 168 seats, just shy of a majority, while the influence of pro-Khalistani NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has waned. With Singh's party weakened, Carney’s pragmatic approach and recognition of India’s economic significance could help rebuild trust and bolster trade ties. His campaign rhetoric emphasized a break from Trudeau-era policies, raising hopes in New Delhi for a diplomatic "Carneyval" after the chill of recent years. (PC: India Today)

China urged India and Pakistan to stay calm and solve their problems through talks. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said their peaceful coexistence is very important for South Asia’s stability. Guo made the statement after gunfire was exchanged between Indian and Pakistani troops following the terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. China condemned the attack and asked both countries to exercise restraint. China’s top diplomat Wang Yi also spoke to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who asked for China's support. China said it welcomes any steps that help reduce tension and bring peace to the region. (PC: NDTV)

The UK and India are on the brink of finalizing a landmark bilateral trade agreement after an intense two-day negotiation sprint in London. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that 25 of 26 key issues have been resolved. British business leaders have been invited to Downing Street for an expected announcement. Talks began in 2022 and saw renewed momentum after UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds visited Delhi in February. While visa issues were a sticking point, both sides recently agreed on limited concessions. The deal marks a major breakthrough in UK-India relations and could significantly boost economic ties. (PC: Getty Images)