Russian President Putin arrives in Delhi to a red carpet welcome. Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure, and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit between Modi and Putin. 

A policy memorandum on Tuesday directed the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to “place on hold,” effective immediately, all asylum applications, regardless of the immigrant’s country of nationality, pending a comprehensive review. The directive also places on hold all applications for Green Cards, US citizenship requests, and other immigration applications for immigrants from the 19 countries on which the Trump administration had placed a travel ban and are considered “countries of concern” by the White House.

These countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Burundi, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen. The applications will be on hold “pending a comprehensive review, regardless of entry date,” the directive said. These are the same countries that were subject to a travel ban announced by US President Donald Trump in a proclamation issued in June this year.

The new guidance came in the wake of the tragic shooting of US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and US Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

Displaced Palestinians gather to receive aid from a GHF aid distribution point in the so-called ‘Netzarim corridor’ area in the central Gaza Strip on July 30, 2025. (Eyad Baba/AFP)

Sources in Israeli media reported that Netanyahu met with a select group of ministers this week, reiterating that Hamas would be offered one final opportunity to agree to the ceasefire. Should they reject the terms, Israel is prepared to occupy strategic areas of the Gaza Strip, particularly along its perimeter. This development has intensified fears among the population in Gaza, which many describe as a region already devastated by war, starvation, and displacement.

Hamas, for its part, has accused both Israel and the United States of trying to coerce it into an unfavorable agreement “at gunpoint.” In response, President Trump argued that Hamas has repeatedly sabotaged peace efforts and suggested that the group is deliberately prolonging the conflict. As ceasefire talks stall in Cairo following the withdrawal of Israeli and American negotiating teams from Qatar, frustration is mounting in both Jerusalem and Washington.

A senior Israeli official disclosed to Channel 12 News that Israel submitted a formal document to mediators outlining its non-negotiable positions, including retaining control of the Philadelphia Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border, denying the reopening of the Rafah Crossing, and rejecting Hamas’s sweeping demands for prisoner releases. These demands, Israeli officials argue, would leave them without leverage to secure the release of the final group of Israeli hostages.

Despite the apparent impasse, the United States is actively working to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, arrived in Israel on Wednesday to assess the situation. His visit comes in the wake of global outrage over rising deaths from malnutrition and ongoing violence near aid distribution centers. Witkoff, who had previously postponed a planned visit to Doha for hostage negotiations, is expected to meet with Israeli officials and may even enter Gaza to oversee the operations of the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

An Israeli flag flies from a main battle tank deployed at a position along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on July 29, 2025. (Jack GUEZ / AFP)

The GHF has been at the center of controversy, with allegations from Hamas that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces near its aid sites. Local reports confirm frequent shootings around these centers as desperate civilians attempt to obtain food, often outside designated safe zones. While Israel accuses Hamas of hoarding aid and manipulating casualty figures, it has acknowledged some civilian deaths in such incidents. The Red Cross, too, has raised concerns, stating that many aid sites are located in or near evacuation zones, making them inaccessible and hazardous.

While ceasefire negotiations appear to have stalled, Israel has initiated daily “humanitarian pauses” in hostilities to allow more aid into Gaza. Nevertheless, aid agencies argue these measures are insufficient. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) noted that even with increased food deliveries, it could take weeks to stabilize the situation, as existing supplies are dwindling rapidly.

In parallel with military and diplomatic developments, there is growing support among Israeli lawmakers and ministers for the annexation and resettlement of parts of Gaza. On Wednesday, Ze’ev Elkin, a cabinet member from the New Hope party, suggested that the threat of annexation could be used as a pressure tactic against Hamas. He stated that losing land would be the “most painful” outcome for Hamas and urged an ultimatum to force a resolution.

That same day, 22 cabinet ministers and coalition lawmakers signed a letter urging Defense Minister Israel Katz to allow settlement groups to tour northern Gaza to evaluate potential sites for future Jewish settlements. Among the signatories were Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and other far-right figures. These groups, including the controversial Nachala Movement, have been actively promoting Jewish resettlement in Gaza, with some activists organizing marches near the Gaza border to mark the 20th anniversary of Israel’s withdrawal from the territory.

Displaced Palestinians at the Nuseirat refugee camp haul food parcels and other items they managed to get from a GHF aid distribution point in the central Gaza Strip on July 30, 2025.(Eyad BABA / AFP)

The humanitarian toll of the war continues to mount. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, over 60,000 people have died in Gaza since the start of the conflict. This figure, however, remains unverified and does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. On the Israeli side, 459 soldiers have died in ground operations in Gaza and related border conflicts. Hamas still holds 50 hostages, 49 of whom were abducted during the October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the war, in which approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel were killed and 251 taken hostage.

In the face of this deteriorating situation, international actors including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Egypt have joined Israel in air-dropping humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israeli officials praised the multinational effort and called on more countries to participate. In a statement posted on social media, the Prime Minister’s Office declared, “We secured the skies, secured the drops, and made sure the food got through. Any country that truly wants to help is welcome to join us.”

As political rhetoric hardens and conditions on the ground worsen, the prospect of a near-term breakthrough remains bleak. Officials in both Israel and the United States have expressed pessimism about the chances of reviving the negotiations, even as intermittent communication between the parties continues. With pressure mounting from all sides, the coming days could mark a pivotal moment for Gaza’s future — and for regional stability as a whole.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, July 17, 2025 :  In a carefully timed and strategically significant move, India has sent a powerful message to China amid ongoing diplomatic engagement, by successfully test-firing its advanced Akash Prime surface-to-air missile system at an altitude of 15,000 feet. This high-stakes demonstration of military capability came even as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was in China attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting—highlighting India’s nuanced diplomatic and defense strategy.

The test, whose precise location remains undisclosed but is understood to be somewhere within the strategically vital Ladakh sector, has caught the attention of regional and international observers. Given its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and China, the timing and location of the test appear deliberate. The launch underscores India’s readiness to defend its borders with technological precision while simultaneously engaging in high-level diplomacy.

India’s defense authorities have confirmed that the Akash Prime air defense system, a significantly enhanced version of the existing Akash system, successfully neutralized two fast-moving aerial targets. This new variant is designed for deployment in high-altitude and extremely cold environments, capabilities that are essential for defending the nation’s northern frontiers. The missile trial marks a significant evolution in India’s air defense capabilities and reflects continued focus on self-reliance and technological superiority in the defense sector.

The Indian Army and Air Force already operate multiple regiments of the original Akash Air Defense System, which proved its mettle during Operation Sindoor—India’s successful response to Pakistani incursions involving Chinese aircraft and Turkish drones. In that operation, the Akash system played a key role by accurately intercepting incoming threats. The Akash Prime, with its upgraded targeting system, extended operational range, and improved all-weather performance, is now set to bolster India’s defense posture further with the addition of third and fourth regiments.

Described metaphorically by officials as the “grandfather” to the Akash system’s “brother”, the Akash Prime showcases a generational leap in India’s air defense technology. It can engage aerial threats with enhanced precision under the harshest of conditions—significantly improving India’s combat readiness along contested borders.

This show of strength comes at a crucial juncture in India-China relations, which remain complex and occasionally tense. Despite diplomatic overtures and multilateral engagements, including the ongoing SCO Summit, India has consistently asserted its strategic autonomy and defense preparedness.

The visit of Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to China, where he met his counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, further underscores the delicate balancing act India maintains. The SCO, established in 2001, has evolved into a key multilateral forum where India interacts with Central Asian nations, China, and Russia. It serves as a platform to address shared concerns such as terrorism, regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

India’s increasing engagement with the SCO reflects its recalibrated geopolitical priorities. While ASEAN remains central to India’s Act East Policy, the SCO presents a direct channel to collaborate with energy-rich and strategically located Central Asian nations. At the same time, it offers a neutral platform for engagement with China and Pakistan—both fellow SCO members—despite lingering tensions on multiple fronts.

India’s actions—testing a major defense capability while attending a major diplomatic event in China—send a dual message. On one hand, India remains committed to diplomacy and regional cooperation. On the other, it is equally prepared to defend its sovereignty with cutting-edge indigenous defense systems. This dual approach illustrates India’s evolving strategy of maintaining a firm defense posture while advancing its global diplomatic footprint in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

As the region navigates an increasingly complex security environment, India’s strategic messaging through synchronized military preparedness and diplomatic engagement highlights its resolve to play a decisive and independent role on the global stage.

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | July 4, 2025 : Pakistan continues to reel under the grip of militancy as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensifies its violent campaign, plunging the nation into deeper unrest. On Wednesday afternoon, the troubled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was once again the target of a deadly militant attack that killed five people, including two senior government officials, and left eleven others injured. The attack has sent shockwaves through the country, further exposing the deteriorating security situation in a region already plagued by years of extremist violence.

According to officials and reports from the Associated Press, the attack occurred in the Bajaur district—an area near the Afghan border known for its heavy tribal population and long history of militant activity. Militants reportedly launched a grenade attack on a government vehicle traveling along Naogai Road in the Siddiqabad Railway area of Khar tehsil. The explosion was devastating.

Among the deceased were Bajaur Assistant Commissioner Faizal Ismail and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Abdul Wakil. Two police personnel and a civilian also lost their lives in the blast. Bajaur Police Chief Waqas Rafique confirmed that the attack was deliberately aimed at a government convoy. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and swiftly transported the injured to a nearby hospital, where several remain in critical condition.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, investigators suspect the involvement of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The TTP, believed to be backed and ideologically aligned with elements in Afghanistan, has long been one of Pakistan’s most dangerous insurgent groups. Security forces are currently conducting a thorough investigation to trace the perpetrators and understand the precise nature of the attack.

This incident is part of a broader and increasingly alarming pattern. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with Balochistan and regions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has become a stronghold for TTP and other extremist factions. These areas frequently witness ambushes, targeted killings, and bombings aimed at both Pakistani security forces and infrastructure projects.

Of particular concern is the threat these militants pose to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a strategic initiative involving multi-billion-dollar Chinese investments in Pakistani infrastructure. Several attacks in recent years have targeted Chinese nationals and CPEC-related assets, with TTP often being the prime suspect. The group’s continued operations threaten not only Pakistan’s internal security but also its international partnerships and economic future.

Balochistan, too, is facing an identity and territorial crisis amid growing insurgent sentiment, while the broader militant resurgence has left the Pakistani government struggling to assert control. With the frequency and scale of attacks on the rise, national stability remains precarious.

As Pakistan mourns yet another bloody attack, questions are being raised about the government’s strategy in curbing militancy and securing its restive regions. The revival and resilience of TTP continue to cast a dark shadow over Pakistan’s already fragile internal peace.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 25, 2025, Kolkata :  Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah of the Pakistan Army, who gained international attention in 2019 for claiming to have captured Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was killed in an encounter with militants in South Waziristan. The incident, confirmed by the Pakistan Army’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has once again cast a spotlight on Pakistan’s complex and controversial relationship with extremist groups it once supported.

The 37-year-old officer, a native of Chakwal district and a member of the elite Special Services Group (SSG), died during an operation against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in the volatile Sararogha region near the Afghan border. Alongside Major Moiz, Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, 27, also lost his life in the fierce encounter. According to official statements, Pakistani troops neutralized 11 TTP militants and injured seven others in the operation.

Moiz’s death marks a grim twist in the narrative of Pakistan’s decades-long entanglement with militant outfits. Once hailed as a ‘hero’ by Pakistani media for his role in capturing Wing Commander Abhinandan following the 2019 aerial dogfight triggered by the Pulwama attack, Major Moiz became a symbol of Pakistan’s military triumph in the eyes of its public. An old interview with Geo TV, now recirculating online, features Moiz—then a captain—recounting how he saved Abhinandan from a violent mob after his MiG-21 was downed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Funeral services for Major Moiz were held at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi, with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir attending and honouring his sacrifice. “Major Syed Moiz Abbas fought bravely in the face of resistance and ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism,” the ISPR quoted Munir as saying. His body was flown to his hometown, where he was buried with full military honours.

Moiz had been commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 2011 and later joined the SSG, Pakistan’s top-tier special operations force. At the time of his death, he was posted in one of the most restive and dangerous regions of Pakistan, battling the very forces once allegedly nurtured by the state itself.

The TTP, an umbrella organization formed in 2007 after the controversial Red Mosque siege in Islamabad, initially flourished with indirect backing from elements within Pakistan’s security establishment. Trained and radicalized in camps affiliated with groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP militants have since turned their weapons against the Pakistani state. Once a “strategic asset,” the TTP has become a domestic nightmare.

Over the years, the TTP has been responsible for a string of deadly attacks including the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing, the 2009 assault on Pakistan’s military headquarters, and numerous strikes on military bases. Described by Pakistan’s leadership as “Fitna al-Khawarij”—a term from early Islamic history denoting violent rebellion—the group remains closely associated with global jihadist networks, including al-Qaeda.

Since 2024, more than 1,200 Pakistani military and police personnel have been killed in TTP-linked violence. In 2025 alone, at least 116 soldiers have died in such attacks. Major Moiz Abbas Shah is the latest in this mounting toll—a name once used to fan nationalist fervour now etched into the growing list of victims of the very militancy Pakistan once overlooked.

This incident has reignited intense debate about the contradictions in Pakistan’s security and foreign policy. Observers and analysts argue that the tragic death of Major Moiz encapsulates the consequences of long-standing state complicity with militant groups. A man once celebrated for capturing an Indian pilot has now fallen to bullets fired by those bred in the very shadows of Pakistan’s fragmented militant policy.

On Thursday, Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizen Party, visited Muhammad Yunus, and after the meeting, Islam announced that Yunus is contemplating resigning from his position. Speculation has been rife since then, with rumors swirling that Yunus may tender his resignation as early as tomorrow, Saturday.

The roots of the current crisis lie in the events of August last year, when Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government was toppled amid mass protests against perceived discrimination and authoritarianism. Hasina was forced to step down and leave the country, and an interim government was formed by the protesters. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the chief advisor of the interim government, which was expected to oversee reforms and prepare for national elections.

However, despite the lofty promises of change, the interim government has not introduced significant reforms. Instead, it has largely replaced officials loyal to the previous regime with Yunus’ close associates. The growing dissatisfaction among the public has been exacerbated by the ongoing delay in holding elections. While political parties have been clamoring for elections, the interim government, led by Yunus, has shown little willingness to schedule them before mid-2026.

This reluctance to act has further fueled tensions, especially with the recent intervention of Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, who has urged the government to hold elections by December 2025. The pressure from both political parties and the military has sparked further speculation about Yunus’ future. A pro-Awami League barrister, Nijhum Majumdar, has even claimed that Yunus is set to resign on Saturday, adding weight to the rumors.

As the political crisis deepens, the question of when – or if – Bangladesh will hold free and fair elections remains uncertain, leaving the nation on edge. The potential resignation of Yunus could mark a turning point in the country’s fragile governance, with an already volatile situation threatening to spiral further out of control. The coming days will be crucial as political leaders and citizens alike brace for what could be a decisive moment in Bangladesh’s troubled political landscape. : 

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 23, 2025, Delhi :  The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is set to expand into Afghanistan, with a formal agreement reached between the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. This development marks a significant milestone in trilateral cooperation, despite objections from India regarding the project’s route through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The agreement was solidified following a meeting in Beijing, where the leaders from the three countries convened to discuss economic and security cooperation.

The discussions took place on the heels of a visit by Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to China. During this visit, he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The meeting underscored the nations’ shared commitment to fostering regional stability, security, and development. The expansion of CPEC into Afghanistan is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing infrastructure, trade, and diplomatic relations within the region.

Ishaq Dar, who is in Beijing for a three-day visit, marked his first foreign trip after the launch of India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Despite the contentious backdrop, the foreign ministers reaffirmed their dedication to regional peace and cooperation, with Dar emphasizing their collective vision for regional prosperity and stability.

A joint statement released by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry confirmed that the three nations had agreed to strengthen their diplomatic ties and improve communication, particularly to facilitate trade and development. The extension of the CPEC project to Afghanistan was presented as part of the broader vision to deepen cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The trilateral meeting not only focused on economic matters but also emphasized countering terrorism, with the foreign ministers expressing a united stance on regional security. It was also disclosed that Afghanistan and Pakistan had agreed in principle to send ambassadors to one another’s countries in the near future, further signaling the intention to build stronger diplomatic relations.

India, however, continues to oppose the CPEC, which is valued at approximately USD 60 billion, due to its passage through disputed areas of Kashmir. India’s objections to the project were reiterated in light of the new developments.

The foreign ministers also agreed to convene the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kabul at a mutually convenient time, where further steps towards strengthening the cooperation will be discussed. Following the successful conclusion of the meeting, the Foreign Office in Islamabad confirmed that China and Pakistan had reaffirmed their “iron-clad” friendship and shared vision for peace and development in the region.

This new phase of regional cooperation signals a strategic shift in the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, as China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan push forward with joint efforts to bolster their economic, diplomatic, and security relations, despite existing challenges and opposition from other regional actors.