India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan remains suspended due to Islamabad’s ongoing support for terrorism. Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, India halted the water supply, citing national security concerns. Despite Pakistan’s plea to reinstate the treaty, Jaishankar emphasised that action against terrorism must be “credible and irrevocable” before reconsideration. Addressing the media, he dismissed US President Trump’s claim of brokering peace, reaffirming India’s bilateral stance on Pakistan. Precision strikes on May 7 further escalated tensions, though Pakistan requested a ceasefire days later. India remains firm: no trade or treaty talks under terror threat.
ZELENSKY URGES MORE RUSSIA SANCTIONS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference in Ankara, criticized Russia’s lack of intent to end the ongoing war and urged the international community to intensify political and economic sanctions against Moscow. Ahead of ceasefire talks in Istanbul, Zelensky said Ukraine would send a delegation led by its defence minister, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined to attend. Zelensky emphasized that unilateral efforts were insufficient and stressed the need for global unity in applying pressure. The U.S. and European nations have warned of more sanctions if Russia refuses a ceasefire. Putin’s absence from talks raises diplomatic tensions.
ISRAEL ESCALATES STRIKES ON GAZA
Israeli airstrikes killed dozens in Gaza for a second consecutive night, targeting areas like Khan Younis. Reports from Gaza’s civil defence and media estimate between 40 to 60 deaths, including children. Despite mounting civilian casualties and public demand for a hostage deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed a “full force” push to destroy Hamas. Since Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18, nearly 3,000 people have died, contributing to a total death toll nearing 53,000. With humanitarian aid blocked, the UN warns of looming famine. Over 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced amid worsening conditions.
GERMANY ENDORSES NATO SPENDING HIKE
Germany has backed a proposal to increase NATO defence spending to 5% of GDP, aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed Berlin’s support during a NATO meeting in Turkey. While Germany currently spends just over 2%, Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized plans to rebuild the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest conventional army. Other NATO leaders, including Markus Söder, supported a compromise at 3.5%, citing feasibility. However, Germany’s SPD coalition partners criticized the 5% target as excessive. As debates continue, NATO’s financial commitments remain a divisive issue amid increasing global security concerns.
PAKISTAN PROPOSES ZERO-TARIFF US DEAL
Amid US-India trade discussions, Pakistan has proposed a zero-tariff bilateral trade agreement to the United States, aiming to expand trade in key sectors. The move follows Donald Trump’s claim of brokering peace between India and Pakistan and his announcement that India has offered a no-tariff deal for US imports. Trump had earlier imposed reciprocal tariffs, later suspending them temporarily for most nations, excluding China. Pakistan’s proposal may be a strategic step to strengthen US relations as India remains America’s largest trading partner, with 2024 bilateral trade at $129 billion and a $45.7 billion surplus in India’s favor.
