The United States has said it will invite India to join Pax Silica, a US-led alliance focused on building a secure silicon and chip supply chain for the AI era. US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the move aims to create a full ecosystem, from mineral refining to advanced manufacturing. Pax Silica brings together partners such as Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE, Singapore, and Qatar. The initiative seeks to reduce global reliance on China for rare earth minerals. India has large reserves but depends heavily on imports. Joining the bloc could help India diversify supplies and gain technology support. (PC: India Today)

Germany has announced that Indian passport holders will no longer need a Schengen Airport Transit visa while changing flights at its airports. The rule was revealed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India this week. It will apply to travellers transiting through hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich on the way to non-Schengen countries. Passengers must stay inside the international transit area and leave within 24 hours. The policy does not allow entry into Germany or any other Schengen state. The government has said the decision is yet to be implemented. Once active, it is expected to reduce paperwork, cost, and missed connections for Indian flyers. (PC: NDTV)

China has reasserted its claim over Shaksgam Valley in Jammu & Kashmir, defending ongoing infrastructure projects as "beyond reproach" despite India's strong objections. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated the territory "belongs to China" and cited the 1960s China-Pakistan boundary agreement as justification. India firmly rejected these claims, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal declaring Shaksgam Valley as Indian territory and the 1963 China-Pakistan agreement "illegal and invalid." India also reiterated non-recognition of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passing through Pakistani-occupied territory. The dispute intensified following reports of China constructing an all-weather road in strategically crucial Shaksgam, located north of Siachen, prompting India to reserve rights for necessary countermeasures. 

US President Donald Trump announced an immediate 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, potentially threatening India's $1.7 billion bilateral trade with Tehran. The sweeping tariff aims to pressure Iran's leadership over its violent protest crackdown, which reportedly killed nearly 600 people and arrested thousands. Trump declared the order "final and conclusive" via Truth Social, while also considering potential military action against Tehran. This development could significantly disrupt India's trade relationship with Iran and complicate ongoing India-US trade negotiations. The tariff threat sends shockwaves through global markets, forcing nations to choose between maintaining Iranian trade ties or facing substantial penalties on their American business dealings. (PC: X)

New US Ambassador Sergio Gor emphasized India's critical importance to America, calling it "the most essential partner" and projecting their relationship as potentially "the most consequential partnership of this century." Speaking at the US embassy, Gor announced continued trade negotiations with another round scheduled for Tuesday, while acknowledging disagreements as normal among "real friends." He highlighted President Trump's friendship with PM Modi and invited India to join Pax Silica, the US-led silicon supply chain initiative as a full member next month. India's participation comes after its notable absence at December's launch, which included nine founding nations. Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is currently attending critical minerals discussions in Washington. (PC: PTI)

Germany has announced visa-free transit for Indian travelers at German airports, eliminating the requirement for Schengen transit visas during layovers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this announcement during his Gujarat visit, strengthening India-Germany ties. Previously, Indian nationals needed transit visas even when staying in international transit areas at Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin airports without entering Germany or the Schengen area. This decision will significantly ease international travel for Indians passing through German airports. However, travelers must still obtain appropriate tourist, business, or student visas to actually enter Germany and other Schengen countries. The announcement coincided with multiple bilateral agreements deepening economic and security cooperation, including simplified defense trade procedures benefiting India. (PC: X)

Canadian police arrested Arsalan Chaudhary, 43, at Toronto Pearson International Airport in connection with Canada's largest gold heist   $20 million worth of pure gold bars stolen in April 2023. A shipment containing 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold and $2.5 million in foreign currency vanished hours after arriving from Zurich. Chaudhary, arriving from Dubai, faces theft, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy charges. Another key suspect, Simran Preet Panesar, a former Air Canada employee who allegedly manipulated airline systems to divert the cargo, remains at large in India. Authorities traced him to Chandigarh last year. Ten individuals have been charged in this cross-border investigation, demonstrating international cooperation in pursuing sophisticated criminal networks. (PC: NDTV)

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, focusing on securing and diversifying global supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements. The meeting addressed growing vulnerabilities in strategic sectors as India's electronics manufacturing expands rapidly. Finance ministers from Australia, Canada, EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and UK participated, discussing technology sharing, refining processes, and funding for new projects. Bessent emphasized "prudent derisking over decoupling" to remedy supply chain deficiencies. The US highlighted existing investments and planned steps to create resilient, secure supply chains, with participants showing strong commitment to address key weaknesses quickly. 

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor declared no country is more essential to America than India, announcing trade deal talks resume Tuesday. Speaking at the US Embassy in Delhi, Gor confirmed President Trump may visit India within one-two years, emphasizing Trump's "real" friendship with Prime Minister Modi. He stated "real friends can disagree but always resolve differences," addressing recent tensions. Gor announced India will join the Pax Silica alliance as a full member next month, a US-led initiative for secure silicon supply chains. He acknowledged trade negotiations are challenging given India's massive population but expressed determination to finalize the deal. Both nations collaborate on security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health beyond trade. (PC: AFP)

Security was tightened in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district after Pakistani drones were sighted along the Line of Control in the Naushera-Rajouri sector on Sunday evening. Indian Army troops undertook counter-unmanned aerial systems measures, forcing the drones to return. Locals reported extensive firing in Jangarh and Kalal areas around 7:28 pm, praising the Army's prompt response. A witness thanked armed forces for their alertness, stating residents remain peaceful due to their vigilance. Earlier on Saturday, BSF and Jammu Kashmir Police recovered an arms consignment from Paloora border village in Samba, including Chinese-made pistols, magazines, and a hand grenade, prompting a joint search operation. (PC: PTI)