Jaishankar Takes a Swipe at Europe
Taking a swipe at European nations trying to influence New Delhi's stand on geopolitical issues, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said India looks for partners, "not preachers" and some of Europe is "still struggling with that problem". Dr. Jaishankar made the remarks at the Arctic Circle India Forum, during an interaction with former Iceland President OG Grimsson and head of the Observer Research Foundation, Samir Saran. The External Affairs Minister, a seasoned diplomat, was asked what India expects from Europe. "When we look at the world, we look for partners, we don't look for preachers, particularly preachers who don't practise at home what they preach abroad. And I think some of Europe is still struggling with that problem, some of it has changed," he replied, in a sharp jab at the West. Europe, he said, had entered a certain zone of reality check. "Now whether they are able to step up to it or not is something we will have to see, but from our point of view, if we are to develop a partnership, there has to be some understanding, there has to be some sensitivity, there has to be a mutuality of interests, there has to be a realisation of how the world works, these are all work in progress to differing degrees with different parts of Europe, some have moved further, some a little bit less," the minister said. Click here to read...
US and Ukraine Sign Long-Awaited Natural Resources Deal
The US has signed a deal with Kyiv to share profits from the future sale of Ukraine's mineral and energy reserves, after months of tense negotiations. The deal aims to provide an economic incentive for the US to continue to invest in Ukraine's defence and reconstruction - as well as to address Washington's concerns over the amount of aid it has already contributed. Ukraine is believed to have vast reserves of critical minerals like graphite, titanium and lithium. They are highly sought after because of their use in renewable energy, military technology and infrastructure. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it showed both sides were committed to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. The deal will also see the establishment of an investment fund to spur Ukraine's economic recovery from the war. According to the statement from the US Treasury, the newly created US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund recognises the "significant financial and material support" the US has given Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. The US treasury secretary said in a video statement that the deal would help "unlock Ukraine's growth assets". Click here to read...
War in Ukraine not ending 'any time soon', Vance says
US Vice-President JD Vance has said the war in Ukraine is "not going to end any time soon." Vance said the question facing the US administration now was how it could help Russia and Ukraine "find middle ground" to end the conflict that has been raging for more than three years. But, Vance added, "it's going to be up to [Russia and Ukraine] to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict". His comments came shortly after Washington signed a deal with Kyiv to share the profits of Ukraine's rare earth minerals in return for future US security assistance. Vance made the comments in a wide-ranging interview, in which he defended Trump's approach to the war in Ukraine. Trump suggested this week that Ukraine might be willing to cede Crimea - which Russia invaded in 2014 - in order to reach a truce settlement. Click here to read...
Nationalist Candidate Ahead in Romanian Election Rerun
The nationalist candidate George Simion has won a resounding victory in the first round of the presidential election in Romania. Simion came first with 40% of the vote, and will go into the runoff on 18 May as the clear favourite. Nicusor Dan, the liberal mayor of Bucharest, and Crin Antonescu, candidate of the governing coalition, are tied in second place, with around 21% each. Six months ago, the presidential election in Romania ended in scandal and confusion. It was won by a radical outsider with mystical leanings, Calin Georgescu, but that result was annulled over allegations of campaign fraud and Russian interference. Simion is an admirer of US President Donald Trump. He believes in a strong NATO, and is in favour of keeping NATO bases and US troops in Romania, if he becomes president. Ukraine exports 70% of its grain down the Black Sea coast, through Romanian territorial waters, towards Istanbul. The Romanian navy demines those waters, and the Romanian air force trains Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s. The Trump administration is reassessing its commitment to Romania. A visa-waiver agreement was abruptly cancelled on the eve of the election. Simion made it clear he thinks "Russia is the biggest danger towards Romania, Poland and the Baltic states, the problem is this war is not going anywhere." He said he hoped the peace talks organised by the Trump administration would result in a ceasefire and peace negotiations. Click here to read...
Putin Expresses ‘Hope’ that Nuclear Weapons will not be Needed in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that there has so far been no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, expressing “hope” that they will not be required. Putin said his country had enough “strength and means” to bring the three-year war, sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, to a “logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires”. His comments were part of a documentary marking his quarter century in power by state television channel Rossiya 1 that was released on May 4. Responding to a question about the Russian response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, Putin said: “There has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons … and I hope they will not be required.” His comments came ahead of his unilaterally declared three-day ceasefire over May 8-10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany in World War II, an initiative that he claimed would test Kyiv’s readiness for long-term peace. Click here to read...
Vance says Russia asking ‘Too Much’ in Ceasefire talks with Ukraine
JD Vance has said that Russia is asking for “too much” in its negotiations with Ukraine in the latest sign of growing frustration from Washington with ceasefire talks to end the war between the two countries. Speaking at a security conference of senior military and diplomatic leaders in Washington, the US vice-president said that the White House is focused on getting the two sides to hold direct talks and is ready to walk away if certain benchmarks are not reached. “I wouldn’t say that the Russians are uninterested in bringing this thing to a resolution,” Vance said during an onstage interview with the Munich security council president, “What I would say is, right now, the Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements, a certain set of concessions in order to end the conflict. We think they’re asking for too much. OK?” Asked about those comments later, Donald Trump said: “It’s possible that’s right.” Click here to read...
PM Modi Cancels Europe Tour After India Strikes at Terror Bases In Pakistan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-nation tour to Europe has been called off in view of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, official sources said on Wednesday. PM Modi was scheduled to travel to Croatia, Norway and The Netherlands from May 13 to 17. The prime minister was scheduled to visit Norway to attend the Nordic Summit. The visit has been called off, the sources said. The respective countries have been informed about the decision, they said. Click here to read...
India, UK forge Free Trade Agreement; PM Modi terms it ‘Historic Milestone’
In a significant boost to bilateral relations, India and the United Kingdom have successfully concluded the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a Double Contribution Convention, following three years of intermittent discussions. Marking a significant milestone, in their strategic partnership. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Modi following a conversation with his British counterpart, Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial FTA,” he posted o X. The deal is set to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations and spur growth across multiple sectors. He also said “these landmark agreements will further catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. The agreement is anticipated to be officially signed when Keir Starmer visits India this year. Click here to read...
UK and US Secure Trade Deal with Changes for Auto and Agricultural Goods
The US and the UK have announced a trade deal, the first agreement secured with the Trump administration after it announced a raft of tariffs on foreign goods in early April. "The final details are being written up," US President Donald Trump told reporters. "In the coming weeks, we'll have it all very conclusive." The rapidly-negotiated deal is not a wide-ranging trade pact but it instead focuses on specific sectors, easing trade barriers on agricultural, automobile, aluminium and steel products. Although Trump is referring to the breakthrough as a "full and comprehensive" deal, experts stress that this exaggerates the scope of the agreement. For a full-trade deal to be brokered, Congress must first give its approval. Both President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the strong relationship between their two countries, bonded by shared values, culture and a common language. Trump referred to the UK as "truly one of our great allies". Click here to read...
Ukraine labels Russian Ceasefire a Farce after Reports of Hundreds of Violations
Russia's unilateral, three-day ceasefire has proved to be a farce because of continued attacks across the front line, Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, has said. He accused Russia of 734 violations since its truce came into effect overnight into Thursday, adding that Ukraine was responding "appropriately" to every attack. Russia's defence ministry insisted the ceasefire - called by Vladimir Putin to mark World War Two Victory Day - was being observed and accused Ukraine of 488 violations. At least one person was killed in Ukraine's northern Sumy region following Russian strikes, according to emergency services. Click here to read...
Friedrich Merz Elected Chancellor Amidst Coalition Agreement
On May 6, Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) was elected Chancellor of Germany, following a coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The coalition, formed in response to economic challenges and the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), aims to spur growth and address migration issues. The 144-page coalition agreement outlines plan to cut taxes for middle and lower incomes, reduce corporate tax, lower energy prices, and support the electric car industry. It also includes measures to reform Germany's constitutionally enshrined spending limits, known as the "debt brake," and to implement a tougher stance on migration, including turning away asylum seekers at borders and scrapping fast-tracked naturalization. Merz emphasized that the new government would "reform and invest to keep Germany stable, make it safer and make it economically stronger again," asserting that "Europe can rely on Germany.” The coalition also pledged to significantly boost defence spending amid concerns about U.S. commitment to European security under President Trump. Click here to read...
Italy – EU Parliament Reviews Rule-of-Law Concerns Under Meloni's Government
On May 13, the European Parliament's democracy committee held a closed-door hearing to examine concerns about the rule of law in Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government. Italian Justice and Interior Ministers, along with representatives from NGOs and the judiciary, were questioned about recent judicial reforms that critics argue concentrate power in the executive branch. EU lawmakers expressed apprehension that these reforms could undermine judicial independence and democratic checks and balances. The session is a precursor to potential parliamentary actions, such as resolutions or amendments to country reports, reflecting Brussels' concern over the state of democracy in one of its member states. The outcome of this review could have significant implications for Italy's relationship with the EU, including the potential impact on EU funding and legal standards. It underscores the EU's commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law among its member countries. Click here to read...
Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks with Europe in Turkey
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi has announced that a new round of talks concerning Tehran’s nuclear programme is expected to take place with European powers in Turkey. Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Araghchi stated that deputy foreign ministers from Iran, Britain, France, and Germany are likely to meet in Istanbul on May 16. Since late last year, Iran has held several low-profile discussions with the three European nations, most recently in Geneva in February, as part of broader diplomatic efforts ahead of indirect negotiations with the United States, which began on 12 April. “While we continue the dialogue with the United States, we are also ready to talk with the Europeans,” Araghchi said. He criticised the Europeans for becoming “somewhat isolated” in the negotiations due to their policies, though he did not expand on the comment. This anticipated meeting comes shortly after Oman-mediated talks between Tehran and Washington. Those discussions marked the fourth round of indirect contacts between the two longstanding adversaries — the highest level of engagement since former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord. Click here to read...
Macron Says France is Ready to begin talks on French Nuclear Weapons in European Countries
French President Emmanuel Macron said on May 13 that France was “ready to open” discussions about stationing France’s nuclear weapons in other European countries. Mr Macron’s comments come as Europeans seek to bolster their defences, especially against Russia and as the Trump administration has signalled that the U.S. will no longer underwrite European security. Asked during a television interview to respond to Polish President Andrzej Duda’s remarks in April that Poland would like to host both American and French nuclear weapons on its soil, Mr Macron said his country was “ready to open this discussion”. The framework for deployment of nuclear weapons would be discussed in the weeks and months ahead, subject to conditions, Mr Macron said. “Let’s be clear, France will not pay for the security of others. It can be a European effort or the effort of each nation,” Mr Macron said, enlisting the first of three conditions. Second, the transfer of nuclear bombs to other countries would not come at the expense of France’s own deterrence, according to Mr Macron. Finally, the French President would be ultimately in charge of whether they could be used, he said. Click here to read...
EU Agrees New Sanctions on Russia and Threatens More if Putin Refuses Ceasefire
The European Union has agreed to impose a new round of sanctions against Russia, threatening to slap on another one if the country continues to refuse the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by the White House and the "Coalition of the Willing". The big push comes as Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenges Vladimir Putin to sit down for direct peace talks in Turkey, a format endorsed by Donald Trump. "I believe that if Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is the final point that he does not want to end the war," Zelenskyy said. The preliminary deal on the new sanctions, the 17th package since February 2022, was sealed a day before direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey, during a meeting of EU ambassadors and is expected to be formally approved by foreign affairs ministers next week. Hungary, a vocal critic of economic restrictions, which has twice this year almost blocked their renewal, did not oppose the measures. Click here to read...
