India-Pakistan Relations and the Role of SCO: Should PM Modi Attend the 2024 Summit in Islamabad?

Tensions in India-Pakistan Relations The relationship between India and Pakistan has been highly strained since 2019, following significant events like the Pulwama terror attack, the subsequent Balakot airstrikes, and the abrogation of Article 370, which altered the status of Jammu and Kashmir. India’s firm stance on not engaging in dialogue with Pakistan as long as cross-border terrorism persists has kept diplomatic ties at a low. Despite numerous attempts by Pakistan to initiate talks, India’s position remains unchanged: terrorism and diplomacy cannot go hand in hand. In this backdrop, the invitation…

Rising Tensions: Israel Strikes Beirut as Middle East Conflict Escalates

The Israel-Lebanon Conflict and Regional Tensions The Middle East has long been a region fraught with tension, marked by historical rivalries, religious divides, and shifting alliances. One of the most complex and enduring conflicts in the region is between Israel and Lebanon, particularly involving Hezbollah, a powerful militant group backed by Iran. This conflict has the potential to escalate into a wider regional war, drawing in global powers like the United States and affecting the delicate balance of peace in the area. Recent developments have brought these tensions to a…

Israeli Airstrike in Beirut Kills Hassan Nasrallah’s Potential Successor, Hashem Safieddine

An Israeli airstrike in Beirut reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine, seen as a potential successor to Hassan Nasrallah. The attack has not been officially confirmed by Israel or Hezbollah, but Safieddine held a critical position in the group’s leadership. On Friday morning, an Israeli attack reportedly targeted Hezbollah chief Hashem Safieddine in Beirut. According to Axios correspondent Barak Ravid, according to an Israeli official, Safieddine, who appears to be a possible successor to slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, was attacked. No official confirmation has been received To date, there…

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Praises Zakir Naik: Controversial Preacher Begins Month-Long Visit

Zakir Naik and His Troubled Relationship with India Zakir Naik, a controversial Islamic preacher, rose to prominence through his sermons, which many followers found compelling. However, Naik has also been the subject of multiple accusations in India, including charges of money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches. He fled India in 2016 and has since lived in exile, primarily in Malaysia, where the government under Mahathir Mohamed granted him permanent residency. India’s repeated attempts to secure his extradition have been unsuccessful, though Malaysia recently hinted that they might reconsider.…

Diplomatic Shake-up in Bangladesh: Envoys Recalled Amid Tensions with India

The Evolving India-Bangladesh Relationship India and Bangladesh share a deep historical, cultural, and geopolitical bond that has shaped their relations over the years. The governments of both nations have worked closely on issues ranging from trade, security, and regional stability to economic cooperation. The leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was marked by a period of strengthened ties with India, particularly in trade and counter-terrorism cooperation. However, the recent political transition in Bangladesh, marked by the rise of an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus after Hasina’s exit,…

Global Leaders Respond to Iran’s Missile Attack on Israel, Urge De-escalation

On Tuesday, Iran launched over 200 missiles toward Israel in a retaliatory strike following the deaths of key figures Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and heightened fears of a full-scale conflict in the Middle East. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that the resistance against Israel would grow stronger. Meanwhile, Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pledged to strike back with even greater force. World leaders quickly reacted to the attack, with many condemning the escalation and urging…

Iran and Israel: Comparing Military Power and Determining the Superior Force

The Middle East has long been a region fraught with tension, and recent developments have escalated concerns of a potential conflict between two major powers: Iran and Israel. On a tense Tuesday, Iran launched nearly 180 ballistic missiles toward Israel, a retaliation to Israel’s expanded military operations in the region, including airstrikes and ground invasions targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. This fresh wave of violence raises a critical question: how do the militaries of Iran and Israel compare? This article examines the strength, capabilities, and…

Strengthening Ties: Jamaican PM Andrew Holness Hails India’s Technological Leadership

A New Chapter in India-Jamaica Relations Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, on his first official visit to India, emphasized the growing importance of bilateral ties between the two countries. During his visit, Holness acknowledged India’s position as a global leader in technological advancement and expressed Jamaica’s eagerness to learn from India’s progress, particularly in STEM education and digitalization. “As India positions itself as the knowledge capital of the world, we recognize the remarkable strides made by your government in STEM education and digitalization. We look forward to learning from India…

Jaishankar to Visit Sri Lanka: First Diplomatic Visit Since Dissanayake’s Election as President

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on October 4, marking the first foreign ministerial visit since Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed the presidency on September 23, 2024. This high-profile visit highlights the importance India places on its relationship with the island nation, particularly as Sri Lanka navigates a significant political shift under its new Marxist leader. Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Ties Amid Changing Leadership Jaishankar’s visit will focus on deepening bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka, with particular attention to developmental cooperation and regional stability. The…

India-France Near Final Rafale Marine Jets Deal: A Strategic Boost for Indian Defense

The Importance of Rafale Jets for India India’s growing defense needs, especially in the maritime sector, have positioned the acquisition of Rafale Marine jets as a critical move. Rafale, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, is known for its multi-role combat capabilities, making it a valuable addition to the Indian Navy. The 26 Rafale Marine jets under consideration will significantly enhance India’s naval air power, replacing the aging MiG-29 fleet and boosting the nation’s maritime strike capabilities. The deal comes as part of India’s long-term defense collaboration with France, with this being…