With rising concerns over a potential Russian attack, NATO allies are debating the reinstatement of conscription to bolster European defence. A joint study by Bruegel and the Kiel Institute estimates the need for 300,000 additional troops. While some nations like Latvia and Lithuania have already introduced conscription, others remain hesitant due to political and logistical challenges. Countries such as Croatia are considering reintroducing compulsory service, while Nordic and Baltic states offer financial and career incentives to attract recruits. As NATO explores various strategies, the debate intensifies on balancing military preparedness with democratic freedoms.
EU & SOUTH KOREA SIGN DIGITAL DEAL
The European Union and South Korea have signed a digital trade agreement to streamline online transactions and enhance consumer protection. The deal aims to facilitate data flows and provide a legal framework for businesses. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič emphasised its benefits for European businesses and consumers. However, digital rights activists warn of potential threats to data privacy and regulatory oversight. This agreement follows a similar deal with Singapore, with negotiations underway with Thailand, Indonesia, and India. As global trade alliances shift, the EU is accelerating digital trade agreements to strengthen economic ties with like-minded nations.
PAKISTAN TRAIN HIJACK: PASSENGERS HELD
Gunmen from the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, holding over 450 passengers hostage. The attack occurred near Sibbi, with militants bombing the railway track and opening fire, killing the train driver and injuring multiple passengers. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was stopped inside a tunnel in a mountainous area, complicating rescue efforts. Security forces have launched an operation to free the hostages, killing three militants so far. Emergency relief trains and medical teams have been dispatched, while authorities continue negotiations and military actions to resolve the crisis.
US, UKRAINE DISCUSS WAR TRUCE
Top US and Ukrainian officials met in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss potential ceasefire conditions in the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks to strengthen ties with Washington after tense talks with US President Donald Trump. Ukraine has proposed an air and sea truce as a test of Russia’s willingness to negotiate peace. Meanwhile, Kyiv launched its largest drone attack on Moscow, escalating tensions. The US has paused military aid and intelligence sharing, raising concerns among European allies. The meeting aims to gauge Ukraine’s readiness to make concessions for peace, with further discussions on security guarantees underway.
INDIA RANKS SECOND IN ARMS
India has emerged as the world’s second-largest arms importer between 2020 and 2024, following Ukraine, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). India accounted for 8.3% of global arms imports, driven by tensions with China and Pakistan. While its reliance on Russian arms has declined from 72% to 55%, India is increasingly sourcing weapons from France, Israel, and the US. Despite reducing arms imports by 9.3% compared to 2015-2019, India remains a key defence market. The shift towards indigenous weapons production is also reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, signalling a transformation in India’s defence strategy.
