Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor said the achievement reflected growing confidence among American companies in India and the strengthening economic relationship between the two countries.

"One thing that I'm proud of is all the embassies compete," Gor said.

"Our embassy New Delhi this year... we were very proud to announce that we brought in $20.5 billion in new investments. And that put us in first place by far."

"So it's an incredible gratifying thing."

The ambassador said India's emergence as a trusted investment destination had played a significant role in that performance.

"When an American company comes to see me and they ask, 'Ambassador, is it safe to invest? Will our IP be protected here? Or will the laws change next month? Is the tax system here safe or is someone gonna come and shake us down in six months?'"

"It's an incredibly gratifying thing to say the United States trusts India, we work with India."

Gor said the embassy had adopted a results-oriented approach to commercial diplomacy, focusing on generating tangible economic outcomes rather than simply facilitating meetings.

"I've been in India now six months, and we've seen some incredible things happen."

"As President Trump likes to say, we're results driven."

"I did not go to India to sit at receptions. I went over there to be able to increase this partnership that is so vitally important to both of our sides."

He said the embassy remained accessible to businesses seeking assistance with investments and commercial opportunities.

"Our embassy's open to you."

"Please come visit us. Please let us know how we can help you."

Gor encouraged companies facing regulatory or bureaucratic hurdles to approach the embassy directly.

"If we can help you in any way to get something across the finish line, sometimes things get caught in bureaucracy, as you know, on both sides."

"If we can somehow jump that and bring it to the right person's attention, please call on us."

"You will find an open embassy and a very receptive embassy to you."

The ambassador said the Trump administration viewed economic diplomacy as a key component of US foreign policy and that President Donald Trump remained personally engaged in supporting American companies abroad.

"There's no deal that is too small."

"If it creates a job in the United States... the president will pick up the phone and call on that company's behalf."

"And that's something that's extremely proactive that we've never seen on either side of any political party."

Gor said the United States was committed to expanding commercial ties with India across sectors ranging from technology and defence to aviation and manufacturing, describing the bilateral relationship as one built on trust and shared opportunity.

Commercial diplomacy has become an increasingly important pillar of the India-US strategic partnership, alongside defence, technology and energy cooperation.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor said Boeing featured prominently in discussions between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and remained an important component of the broader economic relationship.

"We care about Boeing, we care about taking you to the next level and making sure that these countries are buying the best and the most efficient planes in the sky," Gor said during a conversation with Jeff Shockey, Executive Vice President for Government Operations, Global Public Policy and Corporate Strategy at Boeing.

He said the issue had surfaced again during President Trump's recent meeting with Prime Minister Modi.

"I can tell you we... came up with the Prime Minister because we're this close to getting another big deal done with India. We're looking forward to bringing that across the finish line," Gor said.

The ambassador said the administration viewed India as a long-term strategic economic partner and was committed to expanding commercial engagement across sectors.

"The United States wants to work hand in hand with India."

"India's rise is here, India has arrived. We recognize that we wanna partner with India."

"You pick the sector â€" AI, technology, aviation. No matter what it is, we have a potential to work together."

Gor said the Trump administration's approach was driven by results rather than process.

"I've been in India now six months, and we've seen some incredible things happen."

"As President Trump likes to say, we're results driven. And so we like to see things happen. We like to achieve things."

"I did not go to India to sit at receptions. I went over there to be able to increase this partnership that is so vitally important to both of our sides."

Highlighting the administration's emphasis on attracting investment, Gor said the US Embassy in New Delhi had outperformed every other American mission in bringing investment back to the United States.

"Our embassy New Delhi this year...brought in $20.5 billion in new investments. And that put us in first place by far."

"It's an incredible gratifying thing."

He attributed that success to growing confidence among American businesses operating in India.

"When an American company comes to see me... they ask, 'Is it safe to invest? Will our IP be protected here? Will the laws change next month?'"

"It's an incredibly gratifying thing to say the United States trusts India. We work with India."

The ambassador also encouraged businesses to approach the embassy whenever commercial projects encountered bureaucratic hurdles.

"If we can help you in any way to get something across the finish line... please call on us."

"You will find an open embassy and a very receptive embassy to you."

Gor said President Trump himself remained actively engaged in supporting American companies overseas.

"There's no deal that is too small."

"If it creates a job in the United States... the president will pick up the phone and call on that company's behalf."

Boeing is among the largest American investors and exporters to India, with commercial aviation, defence and aerospace forming a key pillar of the bilateral economic relationship. India is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets and is expected to require thousands of new aircraft over the coming decades.

Commercial engagement has become a central component of the India-US strategic partnership alongside defence, technology, energy and critical minerals. Both governments have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $500 billion while encouraging greater two-way investment and industrial collaboration.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor said President Trump continued to hold India in high regard and frequently spoke about his experiences in the country.

"The United States wants to work hand in hand with India. We care about this relationship. We have a president who deeply cares about this relationship," Gor said.

"I was just with him before the weekend started here in DC and I could spend about two hours with the president and he was captivated by what I have seen in India. He has very fond memories of India. His visit last time, it was one of his most remarkable visits that he continues to talk about. He holds India a very fond place."

Gor said he hoped President Trump would return to India during his second term.

"I look forward to at some point... having the president visit us back in India," he said.

Highlighting the close personal chemistry between the two leaders, Gor recalled an incident from a recent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in Miami.

"I was a couple months ago... with the president at UFC in Miami and we're sitting backstage and he said to me, 'Let's call the Prime Minister.'"

"I said, 'Sir, it's 6:00 AM in the morning there.'

"He said, 'He'll be up. He's like me.'"

Although the call was eventually scheduled for the following day, Gor said the episode illustrated the nature of the relationship between Trump and PM Modi.

"The message there, the louder message of that story is when you're friends with somebody, not everything has to be scheduled."

"And the president truly considers the Prime Minister a friend."

Gor said the relationship between the two leaders dated back to Trump's first term in office and continued to benefit the broader strategic partnership.

"His years with the Prime Minister go back to his first term. There's warm memories of India. And so that's an incredible benefit," he said.

The ambassador said both governments remained focused on producing tangible outcomes across trade, investment, defence and technology.

"We are results driven," he said. "The United States wants to work hand in hand with India."

He added that the next two years would be critical in shaping bilateral ties for decades to come.

"These next two years will set the relationship on a path for several decades ahead. So for everyone here who participates in this, think of this as a long-term project. This is not a one year or two year, but what we sow now will continue to sustain us decades ahead," Gor said.

Trump and PM Modi have developed a close working relationship since Trump's first term, marked by high-profile events including "Howdy Modi" in Houston in 2019 and "Namaste Trump" in Ahmedabad in 2020. Their personal rapport has frequently been cited by officials in both countries as helping advance cooperation on defence, trade, technology and Indo-Pacific security.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor rejected suggestions that bilateral ties had weakened, saying the facts pointed in the opposite direction.

"So to all those pundits that sit online and tweet and say, this relationship is in trouble, when you look at the facts of where this relationship stands, whether it's trade, whether it's defense, whether it's the people to people ties, the relationship is on strong footing," Gor said.

He said both governments remained committed to expanding cooperation across virtually every major sector.

"In the six months that I've been in India, I've seen the incredible potential. And that incredible potential is in every sector. There's not a day that goes by that a new item pops up for our two countries to work together."

"You name the sector and the United States and India can work together and take it to an incredible height."

"So whether that's AI, technology, defense, it's unlimited potential as I like to call it."

Gor said President Donald Trump attached great importance to the bilateral relationship and continued to view India as a key strategic partner.

"The United States wants to work hand in hand with India. We care about this relationship. We have a president who deeply cares about this relationship."

"I was just with him before the weekend started here in DC... He has very fond memories of India. His visit last time, it was one of his most remarkable visits that he continues to talk about."

The ambassador said India had become one of the United States' most trusted partners, pointing to its inclusion among the first countries invited to join the PAXSilica iniative.

"When India was also invited and joined among the first 10 nations in PAXSilica... PAXSilicacomes down to one thing, and that is trust."

"The United States didn't just invite every single country in the world to join PAX Silicon. We're inviting individuals that we trust that we can work with and that continue working with us in the future."

He also highlighted the growing economic relationship, noting that bilateral trade had increased dramatically over the past two decades.

"Over the past two decades, our bilateral trade has increased from 20 billion to 220 billion."

"What President Trump and Prime Minister Modi announced as a bilateral trade goal of $500 billion over the next few years, that's an astounding number that is unmatched."

On defence cooperation, Gor said India conducted more military exercises with the United States than any other country.

"India still has more exercises with the United States than any other country by far."

"Every single month there's something happening, whether it's Indian troops coming here, whether it's US troops going into the region."

Gor said the next two years would be critical in shaping the future trajectory of the partnership.

"These next two years will set the relationship on a path for several decades ahead."

"So for everyone here who participates in this, think of this as a long-term project. This is not a one year or two year, but what we sow now will continue to sustain us decades ahead."

The ambassador also said the US Embassy in New Delhi was focused on producing tangible outcomes rather than simply holding meetings, adding that his team worked closely with businesses from both countries to help advance commercial opportunities and investments.

India and the United States have steadily broadened their strategic partnership over the past two decades, expanding cooperation beyond defence and diplomacy into critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, energy, clean technology and resilient supply chains. The relationship is also underpinned by a vibrant Indian diaspora in the United States and growing business-to-business engagement.

In recent years, both governments have described the partnership as one of the defining strategic relationships of the 21st century. Alongside increasing defence interoperability and technology collaboration, Washington and New Delhi are also pursuing a bilateral trade target of $500 billion while deepening coordination across the Indo-Pacific through initiatives such as the Quad.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Kwatra said India's economic rise under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had positioned the country to play a stabilising role amid geopolitical uncertainty, while strengthening cooperation with partners such as the United States across trade, technology and strategic sectors.

"I would frame your phraseology slightly differently. I would say given the kind of challenges and disruptions that we face, Prime Minister Modi's India is not just an indispensable bridge. I think it's an indispensable anchor of the global order, of the economic growth, of stability, of trust and reliability," Kwatra said.

He said India's growing global role was underpinned by three factors: a rapidly transforming domestic economy, an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape, and structural reforms that had strengthened the country's economic resilience.

Kwatra said India's policy framework since 2014 had centred on long-term economic transformation while preserving macroeconomic stability.

"What that has meant domestically for us in India under the leadership of Prime Minister since 2014, has been a series of economically transformative measures on the ground, which have resulted in our consistently high growth of seven plus per cent, which is uniquely driven by domestic demand," he said.

He said the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat was not inward-looking but designed to create globally competitive manufacturing and resilient supply chains.

"Prime Minister has propounded... a mixture of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, but an ecosystem which has positive externalities, which is not insular in nature."

He also highlighted India's emphasis on manufacturing, advanced technologies and multiple dimensions of economic security.

"I would say food security, energy security, health security. You could end up these three and many other securities in the larger frame of economic security," he said.

Kwatra projected that India, currently a $4.3 trillion economy, was on course to reach about $7 trillion by the end of the decade, around $14 trillion by the middle of the 2030s and between $25 trillion and $30 trillion by 2047.

The ambassador said emerging technologies would define the next phase of India-US cooperation, identifying biotechnology, artificial intelligence and semiconductors as priority sectors.

Referring to the recently launched BioSaarthi 2026 initiative, he said India was preparing for a new wave of innovation in biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals.

"This is an area where India already is blessed with a very strong base of universal talent," Kwatra said, adding that the initiative sought to strengthen innovation, manufacturing, regulation and drug discovery.

He said biotechnology had become a central pillar of the bilateral TRUST initiative launched during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States.

"We see this as a space which would have essentially four legs to cooperation in biotechnology â€" one manufacturing... two trade... three research and innovation... and four regulatory cooperation."

Kwatra also highlighted India's expanding biotechnology startup ecosystem.

"In India as of yesterday, we have roughly 12,000 startups in the biotechnology sector."

He said connecting those startups with the US venture capital ecosystem would significantly strengthen innovation between the two countries.

On artificial intelligence, Kwatra said India was working across the entire AI value chain.

"So far as India is concerned, we are working across all five layers."

He stressed that AI should ultimately be judged by the outcomes it produced rather than the technology itself.

"If the AI has to scale up into a form which is acceptable to the society, eventually it needs to transform itself into the kind of outcomes that the people can relate to."

He added that India sought "a degree of strategic autonomy and resilience" across all layers of AI while partnering closely with the United States.

Kwatra said achieving the bilateral goal of $500 billion in trade by 2030 would require much deeper integration than simply increasing exports and imports.

"One of the important markers that the two leaders defined... is Mission 500, which is to achieve a bilateral trade of $500 billion by the end of 2030."

"We are currently at about 240 billion."

He said trade growth would depend on stronger supply chains, greater investment, manufacturing collaboration, innovation and mobility of skilled talent.

"Trade doesn't move in isolation."

"Trade moves when your supply chains are better connected... when there is a strong flow of capital... when the innovation, investment, manufacturing and skill mobility converges together."

Citing semiconductors as an example, Kwatra said India had moved from having virtually no semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem to commissioning Micron's facility and preparing for commercial production.

"Two, three years ago, we had a nascent to negligible semiconductor industry."

"Pilot production hopefully should commence... by the end of this year and commercial production by the end of next year."

He described the progress as "a very concrete journey" of India-US industrial partnership.

Looking ahead, Kwatra said trust, reliability and secure supply chains would define the future of India-US cooperation.

Asked what message he would leave with participants at the summit, he replied: "Trust, reliability, supply chain, security, and benefit people of the two countries and economic growth and prosperity."

He also said India looked forward to working closely with the United States at this year's G20 Summit, recalling that New Delhi had achieved consensus during its own presidency despite a challenging geopolitical environment.

India and the United States have steadily expanded cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and resilient supply chains over the past several years. These initiatives have become central pillars of the broader strategic partnership alongside defence, energy and trade.

The two countries are also pursuing an ambitious roadmap to raise bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 while strengthening collaboration under initiatives such as the TRUST framework and the India-US COMPACT, reflecting a shared emphasis on innovation, trusted technology ecosystems and long-term economic resilience.

Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, Gor said officials from both countries had intensified engagement in recent weeks to bring the agreement across the finish line.

"Just last week, US (Trade Representative) Ambassador (Jameison) Greer visited us in Delhi for two days and we are in hopefully the final steps of this deal. Most of this deal is complete. There's a few items that remain from both sides, but it's in the last one or 2 per cent of that deal," Gor said.

He said the negotiations had taken time because of their complexity, while noting that trade agreements of this scale often require years to conclude.

"People ask you, why is this taken so long? We've been at the trade deal for a year and a half. To put it into perspective, the European trade deal took 20 years. And so, no matter what, as long as we beat the European deal, I think we're in good shape," he said.

Gor said he remained determined to complete the agreement, describing it as beneficial for both countries.

"But I'm determined to bring this to a close because this is a deal that is beneficial to both sides. This is not one side or the other. This is a win-win situation where both sides can do incredible things and take this relationship to the next level," he said.

He added that the agreement would provide greater certainty for businesses engaged in bilateral trade.

"It's also a deal that frankly for a lot of individuals in this room bring stability. For those of you that trade bilaterally, it's something that's incredibly useful and helpful," Gor said.

The ambassador said both governments had maintained an intensive pace of negotiations in recent weeks, citing multiple high-level exchanges between trade officials.

"As I mentioned, the trade deal, we're close to getting it done at very active negotiations. I mean, pretty much the last three weeks we've had travels back and forth. Minister Goyal was in New York... followed by Ambassador Greer in Delhi right afterwards," he said.

Gor said bilateral trade had already expanded dramatically over the past two decades and was poised for another leap.

"Over the past two decades, our bilateral trade has increased from 20 billion to 220 billion. That's an incredible job and it's also something that we're gonna take to a much higher level," he said.

He pointed to the ambitious target announced by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion.

"What President Trump and Prime Minister Modi announced as a bilateral trade goal of $500 billion over the next few years, that's an astounding number that is unmatched," Gor said.

"We are ready to do so much with India. India exports more to the United States than anywhere else by far," he added.

Rejecting suggestions that bilateral ties had weakened, Gor said the overall relationship remained on a strong footing.

"So to all those pundits that sit online and tweet and say, this relationship is in trouble, when you look at the facts of where this relationship stands, whether it's trade, whether it's defense, whether it's the people to people ties, the relationship is on strong footing," he said.

Gor said President Trump attached significant importance to ties with India and remained committed to expanding cooperation across trade, technology, defence and investment.

The United States and India have been negotiating the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement aimed at expanding market access, reducing trade barriers and strengthening economic cooperation. The initiative gained renewed momentum after President Trump and Prime Minister Modi agreed to pursue a roadmap to raise bilateral trade to $500 billion.

The trade negotiations form a key pillar of the broader India-US strategic partnership, which has expanded significantly in recent years across defence, critical and emerging technologies, energy, semiconductors and supply chain resilience. Both governments have repeatedly described the relationship as one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.

"A classic example is Apple, which is now making most of the iPhone 17 and planning for the 18 in India," Aghi said while opening the ninth USISPF Leadership Summit in Washington.

Aghi said the broader India-US economic relationship continued to strengthen despite public attention on trade negotiations, expressing confidence that a bilateral trade agreement would further accelerate commercial ties.

"If you recall, the Prime Minister and the president agreed to take the trade to $500 billion by 2030. And what we are seeing is the trade between the two countries is going up and up regardless of whether there is a trade deal or not. But I think with the trade deal, you'll see much more acceleration," he said.

He pointed to growing collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, saying both countries were deepening cooperation in sectors ranging from critical minerals to advanced technology.

"We also see tremendous partnership taking place on the technology side between the two countries. We just had a back-to-silicon meeting. We talk about critical minerals between the two countries as to how we collaborate and move forward," Aghi said.

He said India had also become an increasingly important hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), reflecting the confidence American companies had in the country's skilled workforce.

"We are also seeing effort put in by the US companies opening up more and more GCCs or Global Capability Centres in India. India now has around 2,800 Global Capability Centres and roughly 60 per cent are US companies leveraging the intellectual talent in India," Aghi said.

Despite concerns surrounding tariffs and trade negotiations, Aghi said the underlying trajectory of the relationship remained firmly positive.

"We can hear about all the noise, but undercurrents are very strong moving in the positive direction," he said.

Aghi also highlighted the growing influence of the Indian-American community in strengthening bilateral ties.

"When you look at the 5 million Indian Americans in the US, they're making roughly one and a half per cent of the population by generating almost 6 per cent of GDP in every aspect. They are taking the lead from technology... and other aspects of the US corporate environment," he said.

USISPF Chairman John T. Chambers said the India-US partnership had reached a point where both countries should think beyond incremental gains and pursue transformational cooperation.

"It can't be trade over here, defence over here, semiconductors over here. It's gotta be how do we think out of box," Chambers said, arguing that closer collaboration could generate significant economic growth for both countries.

Chambers said artificial intelligence would be central to the next phase of the partnership.

"AI will be at the heart of that. AI is the technology. It allows you to change everything," he said, urging participants to identify ways to deepen cooperation between the two democracies.

The summit brought together senior policymakers, diplomats and business leaders from both countries, including India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, members of the US Congress, and executives from leading American and Indian companies.

Founded in 2017, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum has become one of the leading platforms advancing commercial and strategic engagement between India and the United States. It regularly convenes government officials, industry leaders, and policy experts to promote cooperation across sectors, including trade, defence, energy, technology, and innovation.

"I am not anti-American today; I was not kneeling yesterday. I am a person who believes that the West is stronger united, who believes that Italy is stronger in a united West, and has worked and continues to work for this. After that, however, solid relationships are also based on frankness, and I am a frank person," Meloni said, speaking about Italy-US relations on '10 minuti' on Rete 4, Italian news agency Adnkronos reported.

Earlier this month, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his planned visit to Miami for a business forum, after the controversy over Trump's comments on Meloni.

"The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June," Tajani wrote on X.

Trump reportedly said in an exclusive phone interview with 'L'Aria che tira' on La7, David Parenzo's programme, that Giorgia Meloni "begged me to take a photo with her. She wanted a photo with me so badly. I might not have done it, but I felt sorry for her."

"How is your Prime Minister? How is she?", Trump asked the La7 correspondent, who in turn asked the American President for a comment on the conversation he had with Meloni on the sidelines of the Evian summit. "She's probably happy I spoke to her. I wasn't obliged to speak to her," he replied.

Trump then stated that Europeans got everything wrong on energy and everything wrong on immigration, adding that if they do not solve these problems, Europe will never be the same.

He further said that they probably will not be able to solve them, describing immigration as a disaster and energy, with all those wind turbines, as a disaster, according to the Adnkronos news agency.

As for Ukraine, Trump said that they only want peace, and as the United States, they are not involved in the European Union accession process.

"Ambassador Anshuman Gaur called on the Hon'ble Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Dino Konakovic, today. Conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from EAM S Jaishankar," the Embassy of India, Budapest, representing India in Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina, wrote on X.

They held discussions on advancing key bilateral initiatives, with a particular focus on expanding trade and investment ties, movement of people and student exchange between India and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"We had highly productive discussions on advancing key bilateral initiatives, with a particular focus on expanding trade and investment ties, movement of people and student exchange between our two nations," the Embassy wrote on X.

"Deeply appreciate the Minister's strong reiteration of the condemnation of terrorism and extremism in all its forms. Grateful for the Minister's valuable guidance as we continue to further strengthen the warm and friendly relations between India and Bosnia and Herzegovina," it added.

In March, Additional Secretary (North Europe), Pooja Kapur, called on Foreign Minister Konakovic to advance bilateral discussions.

"Strengthening the India-Bosnia and Herzegovina bond in Sarajevo! AS (North Europe) Ms. Pooja Kapur called on the Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Elmedin Konakovic, to take forward bilateral discussions. She conveyed the warm wishes of EAM S Jaishankar," the embassy wrote on X.

"The meeting underscored a shared commitment to elevating our partnership to new heights. From digital transformation to economic synergy, India and Bosnia and Herzegovina are ready to move forward together. The future of our cooperation looks brighter than ever!" it added.

The Additional Secretary also met with the Foreign Ministry Secretary and the Head of the Asia and Africa Department.

"A roadmap for growth across: Defence, Agriculture, Renewable Energy. The two sides agreed to convene bilateral consultation mechanisms at an early date to develop concrete proposals. Moving from dialogue to action!" said the Embassy.

"Key focus: Building a digital future! India offered to partner in developing: Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Payments, E-Governance. Building on India's global leadership in tech to empower our partners," it added.

According to a report by the official Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research, the tremor's epicentre in the Caribbean Sea was located just 10 km off the coast of La Guaira state, the region worst hit by the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that occurred on Wednesday. The latest aftershock struck at approximately 9:30 am local time, sending shockwaves through the already jittery population.

Residents in Caracas, the capital, and the coastal city of La Guaira rushed out of their homes and workplaces as buildings swayed. Many were seen gathering in parks, plazas and other open spaces, fearing further structural collapses.

"We are terrified. We have not slept properly since Wednesday. Every tremor makes us run out," said Maria Lopez, a resident of La Guaira, speaking to local media.

Despite the panic, authorities said no additional damage or casualties had been reported from Monday's aftershock.

"We have no reports of additional damage anywhere in the national territory," Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly, said after the tremor. He urged citizens to remain calm and follow official instructions.

The aftershock comes as Venezuela continues to grapple with the aftermath of the twin earthquakes that struck on Wednesday.

On Sunday, Rodriguez confirmed that the death toll from those powerful quakes had risen to 1,450, with 774 buildings either completely collapsed or severely damaged. Rescue operations are still underway in several affected areas, with emergency teams working tirelessly to search for survivors trapped under rubble.

The government has declared a state of emergency in the worst-affected regions and has mobilised the armed forces to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts. Shelters have been set up for displaced families, and medical teams are providing care to the injured.

However, the recent aftershock has compounded the anxiety and logistical challenges faced by rescue workers and affected communities alike.

Seismologists have warned that more aftershocks could occur in the coming days and weeks as the region's geological activity continues to settle. The Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research is closely monitoring the situation and has urged the public to stay alert and follow safety protocols.

International aid has begun arriving in the country, with neighbouring nations and humanitarian organisations offering support. The United Nations has also pledged assistance, and assessment teams are on the ground to evaluate the scale of the disaster.

Local authorities have appealed to citizens to avoid damaged structures and to cooperate with rescue teams. The government has also set up hotlines for emergency assistance and has advised residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground as a precautionary measure against potential tsunamis.

The incident occurred in the afternoon, when the prison van carrying the inmates was returning from a district court in Rawalpindi to the Adiala Jail.

According to police sources, the prisoners managed to overpower the guards and flee the vehicle in the Kahuta locality, a semi-urban area approximately 30 kilometres from Islamabad. The escape took place despite the presence of armed police personnel escorting the van.

Local police officials said the prisoners broke the locks of the van and fled in different directions, taking advantage of the congested roads and the absence of an immediate backup.

"The prisoners were being taken back to the jail after their appearance in the court. Preliminary investigation suggests that the inmates executed a pre-planned strategy to overpower the guards and escape," a senior police officer told reporters.

Authorities have launched a massive search operation to track down the fugitives. Police teams have been deployed across the district, and checkpoints have been set up at key entry and exit points in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The police have also sought assistance from the Counter-Terrorism Department and intelligence agencies to gather leads on the possible hideouts of the escaped prisoners.

Initial reports indicate that the inmates were facing charges related to theft, robbery and other criminal offences. However, officials have not ruled out the possibility that some of the escapees could be linked to more serious crimes. "We are verifying the criminal records of all 14 escapees. Their backgrounds are being thoroughly examined," the police officer added.

The incident has raised serious questions about the security protocols followed during prisoner transport. The Inspector General of Police has ordered an inquiry into the matter and has sought a detailed report from the Rawalpindi district police. Security officials have been directed to review the standard operating procedures for prisoner transportation to prevent such breaches in the future.

Local residents expressed shock and fear following the escape. "This is a very concerning development. If these prisoners are armed and dangerous, it poses a risk to the safety of ordinary citizens," said a local shopkeeper.

The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. A reward has also been announced for information leading to the recapture of the fugitives.

The stamp, which will be released in October ahead of this year's festival, was among several new commemorative stamps announced by USPS celebrating America's cultural traditions, national milestones and public awareness campaigns.

"Among the most important holidays on the Hindu calendar, the annual autumn festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil," USPS said while announcing the new stamp. The Postal Service noted that Diwali is usually observed over five days and that "in 2026, the main day of the festival will be November 8."

The new Forever stamp features a vibrant rangoli, a traditional floor pattern made from materials such as coloured rice powder, chalk and flower petals and believed to bring good luck.

The artwork was photographed by Bijay Dixit, while the rangoli was created by Sangita Bhutada, "a native of India and longtime resident of the Houston area who has been a practitioner of this ancient folk art for nearly 30 years."

The stamp was designed by Jennifer Arnold, with William J. Gicker serving as art director. USPS said the Diwali stamp will be released in October, with details of the first-day-of-issue ceremony to be announced later.

The Diwali stamp was announced alongside several other commemorative issues, including stamps honouring the 150th anniversary of the US Coast Guard Academy, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and a semipostal stamp titled "Know the Facts About Fentanyl." USPS said proceeds from the fentanyl stamp will support research and public awareness, with net proceeds going to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The Postal Service also announced release dates for several stamps, including the US Coast Guard Academy stamp on September 12 in New London, Connecticut; Hanukkah on September 29 in New Orleans; Christmas: Madonna and Child on October 2 in Williamstown, Massachusetts; and the fentanyl awareness stamp on October 6 in Bethesda, Maryland. Release details for the Diwali stamp will be announced later this year.

The first USPS Diwali Forever stamp was issued on October 5, 2016, following years of advocacy by Indian-American community leaders led by New York-based eminent community leader Ranju Batra, working with the United States Postal Service with bipartisan support from the administration and members of Congress.

The Diwali Forever stamp has since become one of the most recognisable symbols of the growing visibility of the Indian-American community in the United States and is widely regarded as one of the Postal Service's most popular commemorative stamps.

Celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists worldwide, Diwali is now observed across the United States, including at the White House, the US Congress, state capitols and city administrations, reflecting the expanding cultural and political influence of the Indian diaspora.

"In New Delhi, Mashatile and his counterparts explicitly framed their talks as part of a project to 'advance the priorities of the Global South,' from reforming multilateral lending rules to giving developing countries a greater say in global governance.

South Africa has already backed India's efforts to secure full membership for the African Union in the G20, a symbolic but important step that was lauded by President Cyril Ramaphosa when he hosted India's prime minister last year," noted Abebe Bikila, Senior Research Fellow at the Global Trade and Economic Council (GTEC), while writing for the India Narrative.

Bilateral trade between India and South Africa reached 15-18 billion dollars in recent financial years, making South Africa India's single-largest trading partner on the African continent, and India-Africa trade overall crossed the 100-billion-dollar mark in 2024-25, up from 56 billion dollars just five years earlier. India is also one of the top five investors on the continent.

"In this context, Mashatile's meetings with Indian business associations and corporations, delivering a keynote at the Global Trade and Technology Council of India and engaging with technology and pharma firms in Hyderabad, were about more than bilateral deal-making.

They were a pitch to position South Africa as India's 'gateway into Africa' under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a role Pretoria has begun to highlight more assertively," highlighted the report.

The India-South Africa Critical Minerals Symposium, held in March 2026 at the Future Africa campus of the University of Pretoria, brought together policymakers, geologists, and industry to explore cooperation on minerals such as manganese, chromium, rare earths, and platinum group metals. These metals are indispensable to electric vehicles, batteries and renewable energy technologies.

According to Bikila, South Africa and India underscored their interest in expanding collaboration in mining, including critical minerals, alongside traditional sectors like coal and gold during Mashatile's visit.

"India, whose energy transition plans depend on secure supplies of such inputs, sees South Africa not only as a supplier but as a potential partner in processing and value-addition, and the two governments have floated ideas for joint ventures and technology exchanges in mining and beneficiation," he highlighted.

According to Bikila, the timing of Mashatile's trip was not accidental.

"Global economic disruptions, from wars that roil oil supply routes to tariff shifts that upend manufacturing plans, have made South-South partnerships more attractive as a hedge against dependencies on any single bloc.

As India's junior foreign minister recently reminded a business audience, India-Africa trade now rivals its commerce with some advanced economies, and New Delhi is openly staking a claim to be one of the continent's principal long-term partners," noted Bikila.

"India strongly condemns Pakistan's air strikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in several civilian casualties, including women and children. This blatant act of aggression by Pakistan is an assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability," stated the MEA.

"It reflects Pakistan's persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its futile attempt to externalise internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders. India conveys its condolences to Afghan families that have lost loved ones, prays for early recovery of those injured and reiterates its unwavering support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it added.

At least 36 civilians, including women and children, were killed, while 163 others were injured in Pakistani military airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces, Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat confirmed on Monday.

Citing reports, Fitrat said the attacks carried out on Sunday night in the Gayan district of Paktika, Tsamkani district of Paktia and Manogai district of Kunar by Pakistani forces resulted in the death of 36 civilians and injuries to 163 others, as well as complete destruction of three residential houses.

According to Fitrat, Pakistani forces' jets bombed a civilian residence in Mandokhail village of Tsamkani district, killing one elderly man and a child and injuring several members of the family. He alleged that when local residents gathered to conduct rescue operations, the area was bombed for a second time, killing 28 villagers and injuring 158 others.

Fitrat further said that in the Walust village of the Gayan district, another civilian residence was bombed, killing six individuals, the majority of whom were women and children. Additionally, in the Barolo village of the Manogai district, he said that the airstrike hit a civilian residence, resulting in significant property damage.

Earlier in the day, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan provinces, describing them as a "cowardly act of aggression".

–IANS

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The promise of a "peaceful rise" has given way to a strategy centred on "deterrence and dominance". For Asia and the wider world, the message is clear: Beijing's rhetoric cannot be accepted at face value when its actions increasingly point towards hegemony, a report has stated.

"In November 1998, Jiang Zemin stood before students at Waseda University in Tokyo and reportedly declared, "Even if China develops, it will never bully other countries. It will never seek hegemony.' The words were meant to reassure Japan and the wider world that China's rise would be peaceful, cooperative, and non-threatening. Today, under Xi Jinping, that pledge rings hollow. 'Beijing's rapid nuclear armament and assertive military posture reveal a China that has moved away from Jiang's language of restraint toward coercive power projection," Khedroob Thondup, the nephew of the Dalai Lama, wrote in the 'European Times'.

Thondup noted that under Xi, China entered an era of nuclear expansion and growing assertiveness, with its operational nuclear warhead stockpile increasing from the low 200s in 2020 to the low 600s today. He highlighted that the US assessments project the arsenal will exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030.

"Development of hypersonic glide vehicles, Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRVed) missiles and vast new missile silo fields marks a decisive break from China's earlier restrained posture. Regional coercion: Nuclear modernisation complements aggressive moves in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait and East China Sea, where China's military posture increasingly threatens neighbours," he stated.

According to Thondup, Xi has increasingly relied on nationalism and military strength to consolidate the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) authority, marking a shift from Jiang's emphasis on economic growth and integration with the international community. While Jiang sought to embed China within the global order, Xi is focused on reshaping it.

Thondup argues that Jiang's optimism in the post-Cold War era has been replaced by Xi's view of a multipolar and increasingly competitive world, where nuclear deterrence plays a central role.

"Jiang's pledge of 'no hegemony' was a diplomatic reassurance. Xi's nuclear buildup demonstrates that Beijing now views expanded strategic power as necessary for survival and influence. This contradiction erodes China's credibility, fuels regional militarisation and undermines trust in CCP commitments," he noted.

They have also questioned the absence of publicly available records detailing how many individuals were arrested, formally charged, or ultimately prosecuted during the period, a report has stated.

"One of the key promises of the interim government was to carry out comprehensive reforms of state institutions. Instead, critics contend that governance became increasingly dominated by unelected civil society figures – many of whom reportedly held foreign citizenships, an influential 'kitchen cabinet,' and other vested interests that exercised considerable influence without democratic accountability," according to a report in Bangladesh's newspaper 'Daily Sun'.

The report said that another major criticism of the interim administration was the alleged politicisation of state institutions. Citing critics, it noted that the political instability during the interim period enabled the Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) to expand their influence within sections of the bureaucracy and other state institutions. Rather than improving governance, critics argue, the period was characterised by growing "patronage, self-aggrandisement, and corruption".

"These concerns have been reinforced by recent findings from Transparency International Bangladesh, which reported deterioration in corruption indicators during the interim administration. Critics argue that, despite its promises of clean governance, the interim government itself operated with virtually no effective mechanisms of accountability. Unlike elected governments, its advisors were not subject to meaningful parliamentary oversight or public scrutiny," the report mentioned.

According to the report, the signing of the US-Bangladesh Agreement on Reciprocal Trade during the interim regime has sparked debate. While supporters view the pact as a significant step toward deepening bilateral economic ties, critics contend that it primarily advances American strategic and commercial interests at the potential expense of Bangladesh's long-term economic sovereignty.

The report stressed that the deterioration in law and order emerged as perhaps the most visible source of public disappointment during the period.

"Mob violence became increasingly frequent, while groups identifying themselves as 'Tawhidi Janata' appeared to operate with growing confidence. Critics allege that the interim government failed to confront such groups decisively, creating an atmosphere where extra-legal actions became increasingly normalised and public confidence in law enforcement steadily declined," the Daily Sun report highlighted.

Many observers, it said, were equally concerned over the shrinking space for intellectual and cultural expression in Bangladesh during the tenure of the interim government.

"Artists, academics, writers, and cultural organisations reportedly found themselves increasingly marginalised or reluctant to voice dissent. Rather than fostering pluralism, critics argue that the administration frequently used labels such as 'fascist' to discredit political opponents and silence legitimate criticism," the report added.

Several incidents have underscored these concerns, including reports that in late 2025 Sheffield Hallam University in the UK sought to shut down its renowned forced-labour research programme after months of pressure from the Chinese authorities.

In Italy, the alleged harassment of a prominent Chinese dissident and social media activist, both online and offline, also prompted authorities to deport eight Chinese nationals, a report has stated.

"Signs are mounting that the Chinese government is expanding its transnational repression both in terms of tools and targets. The first half of 2026 has seen evidence of online and offline attempts to silence overseas critics that cross its political red lines. Only in May, an AI-generated harassment campaign against Europe-based human rights researcher Laura Harth, known for her work exposing China's overseas police stations, was made public," German think tank Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) mentioned.

"The campaign, which relied on misogynistic and sexualised images, shows how Beijing is incorporating generative AI into its transnational repression efforts, allowing new forms of scalable, personalised attacks aimed at damaging the reputation of critics abroad," it stated.

According to the report, attempts to silence individuals have expanded to target global civil society as well. Among recent targets was an international conference dedicated to advancing digital rights for all – including privacy, freedom of expression, access to information and protection from unlawful surveillance – which was subjected to a Chinese government campaign.

The report highlighted that RightsCon, a leading global summit on digital rights, was scheduled to take place in Zambia during the first week of May. However, the Zambian government cancelled the event at the last minute, reportedly following pressure from China – a major investor in Zambian infrastructure and mining – over the participation of Taiwanese civil society groups.

"China's digital authoritarianism was among the key issues that the RightsCon community was set to discuss," it stated.

The report noted that while Beijing has long targeted individual activists, its apparent campaign against the global digital rights movement marks a troubling development.

"Its ability to disrupt such well-established global forums like RightsCon not only undermines international efforts to develop shared norms on digital rights but also creates more space for the authoritarian misuse of technology, as illustrated by the targeting of Laura Harth," it added.

Highlighting the wider implication of China's transnational repression, the report said, "Europe needs to better support digital norm-setting and protect it against attacks. This includes creating safeguards and ad-hoc channels for reporting abuses, as well as training authorities to respond appropriately online and offline. Civil society needs to be acutely aware of the dangerous intersection of China's global influence, regional autocratic tendencies and the proliferation of new digital tools, as addressing these issues in isolation will not suffice."

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, made the remarks in an address to reporters, rejecting media reports that technical talks would be held in the Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday.

However, Gharibabadi, who heads Iran's delegation in the technical negotiations, said consultations were continuing with Qatar on relevant issues, including pursuing the U.S. fulfilment of obligations under the recently signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU), Xinhua news agency reported.

On June 22, the technical negotiations between Iran and the United States began in Switzerland.

In an interview with state-run IRIB TV on Sunday, Mehdi Fazaeli, a member of the Office of Preservation and Publication of the Works of Iran's Supreme Leader, said the technical negotiations between Iran and the United States had been scheduled to begin on the same day, but were cancelled by the Iranian side.

He said Iran made the decision due to US strikes against the country over the preceding two nights, and Washington's delay in meeting some of Tehran's conditions under the MoU.

Earlier in the day, the US and Iran had agreed to pause mutual attacks "for now" and hold talks on Tuesday in Doha, the capital of Qatar, to work out their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, US media outlet Axios reported.

The two sides will stand down "for now," and "vessels can move freely" as technical talks are set to continue, a US official was quoted as saying.

The Tuesday talks were originally set to be held in Switzerland and focused on Iran's nuclear program. However, renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz prompted the talks to be moved to Doha, shifting the focus to shipping security in the strategic waterway.

â€"IANS

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The situation underscores the irony of Pakistan, which expects that India forgo its share of river waters while Islamabad fails miserably to ensure equitable distribution among its own provinces, a report has stated.

Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab provinces have frequently clashed over water distribution, accusing the federal government in Islamabad of favouring the latter despite its access to water from five rivers in addition to the Indus. They view the issue as a longstanding failure of federal governance, according to a report in Athens-based 'Directus.'

"The water distribution problem has not remained limited to technical disagreements but has evolved into a profound political crisis, exposing deep mistrust between the federation and its provinces. Even though the water distribution problems have a historic background, the Cholistan Canal project of 2025 cemented the perceived sense of injustice. The anger is directed at the prosperous and politically influential province of Punjab. Other Indus-dependent provinces fear that their interests are being sacrificed as political power takes precedence over governance," the report detailed.

It noted that downstream provinces have grown increasingly concerned about the impact on agriculture, drinking water supplies, economic development, and the Indus Delta's ecological preservation as Pakistan's Indus River System Authority (IRSA) restricts southward water flows.

"Emotions are very high in Sindh, as it is the province most dependent on Indus water. Recently, it accused the IRSA of unfair distribution, saying the reduced share risked the livelihoods and economy of the downstream region. The Indus River is a lifeline for the country, but for Sindh it is more than that, a lifeblood and an existential resource," the report added.

According to the report, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have faced even greater challenges, with their grievances largely ignored. Balochistan has long complained of inequitable water distribution, delayed deliveries, and structural flaws in the water allocation formula. It is often embroiled in disputes with Sindh because its water allocation passes through the province. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on the other hand, is reportedly unable to claim its share due to a lack of adequate infrastructure to tap the Indus.

The report warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate further and could trigger social unrest if the military-driven Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) is implemented.

"It proposes to build a six-canal network, including the flagship Cholistan Canal, which will be built in upstream Punjab. The GPI also includes corporate farming and military-initiated agriculture activities. So, people from Sindh are asking where the water for these canals will come from when the Indus system is already water-stressed," it stressed.

He said that in South Asia, "affiliates of Al-Qaida and Da'esh [Islamic State terror outfit] and other terrorist groups persist", as also in Africa and the Middle East, in threatening nations and people.

"Violent extremist narratives, including those based on xenophobia, racism, and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief, pose deadly domestic threats in many nations," he said.

Issuing his warning about the growing threat, he said terrorists have grown adept at exploiting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and unmanned weapons.

"These tools have supercharged their ability to recruit, finance, and plan attacks," he said.

But he also noted that technology offers powerful tools to detect threats early, stop the flow of illicit assets, and understand pathways to terrorist radicalisation.

He reminded the nations gathered for the Fourth United Nations High-level Conference on Counter-Terrorism that they had "made a commitment to harness digital tools for the public good" when they adopted the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact in 2024 to enable the UN to address emerging challenges.

Guterres said that broader dangers facing the world are creating an environment conducive for terrorists to spread their tentacles, and these have to be dealt with, beyond conventional direct tactics to tackle terrorism.

"We meet at a moment of acute instability," he said. "Conflicts are triggering energy shocks, inflation and hunger across the globe. Temperatures are rising. Millions are displaced. And millions more face growing economic hardship."

"These conditions -- of want, of fragility, of mistrust -- are ideal circumstances for terror to thrive," he said.

But he emphasised that these wrongs do not justify terrorism and nothing can.

"We must address the conditions and grievances that allow terrorism to take root," he said.

The Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter Terrorism, Alexandre Zouev, said the terrorist groups leverage instability, governance gaps, socioeconomic inequalities, and new and emerging technologies to expand their reach, recruit, and mobilise resources.

"The primary responsibility for preventing and combating terrorism falls on member states," he said.

At the same time, there is ample experience and valuable specialised knowledge beyond simply governments for fighting terrorism, among "a broad diversity of actors in counter terrorism, including the United Nations system, regional organizations, civil society, the victims of terrorism, women, young people and academia", he said.

The high-level conference is held as part of the Counter-Terrorism Week observed at the UN.

Its theme is "A Future Free from Terrorism: Consolidating the Global Commitment to Multi-Stakeholder Approaches to Counter Terrorism, notably through Member States' Leadership and Action".

"India–Saudi Arabia Strengthen Water Partnership at Saudi Water Week! A significant step in advancing the India–Saudi Arabia strategic partnership as Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan and H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, signed an MoU on Cooperation in Water Resources at Saudi Water Week in Jeddah," the Embassy of India in Riyadh wrote on X.

According to the Embassy, the MoU aims to foster collaboration, strengthen capacity building, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in water resources planning, sustainable water management, irrigation systems, and other related areas.

Consul General Fahad Suri was also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, India's Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George and Counsellor Y Sabir met Ahmed Abdulaziz Bin Salamah, Head of Expatriate Affairs Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia on Monday.

"Deepening ties on consular and community welfare. DCM Mr. Abu Mathen George , Mr. Y. Sabir, Counsellor, met with H.E. Ahmed Abdulaziz Bin Salamah, Head of Expatriate Affairs Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss mechanisms to strengthen bilateral cooperation on aspects relating the Indian community in KSA," the Embassy wrote on X.

Last week, Ambassador Khan met Riyadh's Governor Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed the steadily growing bilateral relations.

"Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan paid a farewell call on His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh, at the Imarah, Riyadh today," the Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia wrote on X.

"The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to His Royal Highness for the support extended to him during his tenure in Riyadh and for his continued care and attention toward the Indian community in Saudi Arabia," it added.

"They also exchanged views on the steadily growing bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia," noted the Embassy.

–IANS

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Drugs traffickers are using technologies and global instability to introduce novel drugs and aggressively sell them in new markets, an editorial in leading Pakistani daily 'The News International' mentioned citing the World Drug Report 2026.

There has been a rise in new types of drugs in the market and some are reportedly more potent than before. Pakistan has also witnessed several cases of how drug networks are using these ways in recent years.

The most prominent case among them is of drug dealer Anmol alias Pinky who is alleged to have sold cocaine in colleges, universities, schools, gatherings and posh areas of Karachi. At the same time, the drugs are being sold online and the market appears to be young people.

"In recent years, several experts and officials have pointed to increasing drug use and availability among the country’s young people and educational institutions. Back in 2024, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) reportedly uncovered 31 drug traffickers and seized 140 kilogrammes of narcotics from 235 universities. More recently, the senior Sindh minister said that the provincial government would conduct rapid, random drug testing in schools to tackle increasing narcotics use among children," The News International stated.

"Is it a coincidence that the most online generation is experiencing rising drug abuse at a time when the drugs business is increasingly conducted online? That seems unlikely. And this is not just a Pakistan-specific trend. The online sale of narcotics has been a problem in the more advanced countries for over a decade now. It is possible that Pakistan is seeing a rise in this problem now, given how rapidly online access has expanded in recent years. But if ordering dangerous drugs becomes as easy as ordering takeout, the country is in serious trouble," it added.

The danger is further increased due to the use of synthetic drugs which the ANF said are more potent and easier to hide. The digital transactions have made it easier to access drugs, as per the report. Young people are not only consuming drugs but are also being manipulated into becoming drug couriers with false promises being made of easy money and a glamorous lifestyle.

Local media reports in February had cited a 2025 systematic review of rehabilitation cases which claimed that Pakistan is grappling with a worsening crisis of youth drug abuse and rising suicide rates.

The study found that heroin accounts for 48 per cent of substance abuse cases among young users, while cannabis makes up 28 per cent, underscoring the alarming scale and severity of addiction among the country’s youth population.

According to the study, 35 per cent began using drugs in adolescence, and 46 per cent were diagnosed with comorbid depression.

According to a 2024 survey cited at Karachi University, 44 per cent of university and college students admitted to drug use, including 53 per cent of males and 31 per cent of females, with a growing trend of online procurement, another Pakistani daily 'The Express Tribune' reported.

Reports suggest that suicide has emerged as the fourth leading cause of death among Pakistanis under 30. Adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years appear especially vulnerable, with poisoning and hanging identified as the common methods. The reliable monthly official statistics remain unavailable, largely due to criminalisation and stigma surrounding suicide.

Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force has warned that millions between the ages of 18 and 31 face potential risk, despite methodological gaps; the broader trend is evident, 'The Express Tribune' had reported.

A 2025 longitudinal clinical review covering 15 years documented rising drug positivity rates, with cannabis present in more than 20 to 30 per cent of tested samples, followed by opioids and benzodiazepines.

Over 70 per cent of identified addicts were above 35 years of age. Economic hardship, easy availability of Afghan-sourced cannabis and heroin, and untreated mental illness combine to fuel the crisis.

Citing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, The Express Tribune reported that an estimated 6.7 and 7.6 million across Pakistan, roughly six per cent of the population, use drugs, with around four million requiring structured treatment.

People in PoK have been shouting slogans like "Pakistani Forces Out", "Kashmir Under Attack" and "We Want Basic Rights", demonstrating the frustration of residents whose voices are being silenced. The unrest in PoK is not only a local crisis but a test of the international community's resolve to uphold fundamental freedoms in contested regions, it highlighted.

"The bloodshed during the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) protests has stripped away Pakistan’s democratic facade, exposing a regime that responds to bread and butter grievances with repression and militarisation. What began as a campaign for affordable food and fair representation has swelled into a broadbased mobilisation, uniting traders, transporters, lawyers, students, and civil society. Instead of dialogue, Islamabad has chosen to criminalise dissent, turning a grassroots movement into a manufactured 'security threat'," A Jathindra, geopolitical analyst and the founding director of the Trinco Centre for Strategic Studies, an independent think tank based in Sri Lanka, wrote in Eurasia Review.

The JAAC has formulated a 38-point charter of demands, which includes reducing electricity tariffs, subsidised price for wheat flour, ending perks for lawmakers and eliminating 12 reserved assembly seats, considered as tools to hold military dominance in PoK's legislature. The latest protests by JAAC that erupted on June 9 focussed on abolishing the 12 refugee seats in the Legislative Assembly. According to critics, these seats enable Pakistan to manipulate government formation and preventing local representation.

As the clashes erupted in PoK's Rawalakot, the authorities suspended mobile network and internet services and declared JAAC a proscribed organisation, accusing it of inciting terrorism and disturbing public order. The crackdown intensified with mass arrests, raids and deployment of 14,000 additional security personnel. Pakistan militarised civilian spaces to crush dissent of PoK's residents, the Eurasia Review report detailed.

The killing of JAAC's senior figure in Rawalakot marked a decisive turning point, with protesters claiming that he was ambushed by security forces. Following his death, violent clashes erupted across Poonch district, with eyewitnesses reporting that casualties were higher than official figures.

"The unrest in PoJK carries implications beyond the region. It underscores the fragility of Pakistan’s governance model, which relies on coercion rather than consent, and exposes contradictions in its foreign policy: while projecting itself as a champion of Kashmiri rights internationally, Pakistan suppresses those very rights in territories under its control," wrote Jathindra.

"For South Asia, the crisis highlights the urgent need to address governance deficits and human rights violations in conflict-affected regions. It also raises pressing questions about the role of international actors in holding states accountable for obligations under international law," the author further stated.

On June 16, the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) strongly condemned the violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in PoK by Pakistani authorities. It said that the crackdown was followed by the complete suspension of internet and mobile networks across the region, the deployment of federal paramilitary troops and mass arbitrary arrests of over 100 activists and leaders.

The rights body also cited travel restrictions barring outsiders from entering the region and the arrest of journalist Sohrab Barkat under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.

"Branding a civil society body as 'terrorist' on vague grounds, while simultaneously sealing the region from outside scrutiny, constitutes a disproportionate and unlawful violation of the right to freedom of association," the IHRF stated.

The rights body said that the crackdown was not an isolated incident but part of a systemic pattern of human rights violations in PoK.

The IHRF also documented a recurring trend of deadly crackdowns on JAAC protests, including violence in May 2024 and October 2025 that claimed multiple lives.

The rights body called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately halt the use of deadly force against peaceful protesters, lift the internet shutdown, release all individuals arbitrarily detained, and revoke the "unlawful ban" on JAAC.

It also urged an independent and impartial investigation into all civilian deaths, with full access for international observers, and accountability for those responsible for the unlawful use of force, including the alleged extrajudicial killing of activist Shahzeb Habib.

He made the remarks during a meeting with a senior cleric in the central province of Qom, while elaborating on the achievements of a recently signed peace Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States, Xinhua news agency reported.

Pezeshkian put the total amount of the country's frozen assets in Qatar at 12 billion US dollars, stressing that necessary follow-ups were being taken to return the remaining funds to the country.

Describing the MoU as "a great victory" for the Iranian people, he noted that sanctions on Iran's petrochemical and oil exports have been lifted within the agreement's framework.

Pezeshkian also said the United States eventually compelled Israel to accept the peace MoU, although Israel and certain other groups are still opposed to the agreement's implementation.

He reiterated Iran's positions on its nuclear activities, saying that the country does not seek to develop nuclear weapons, and its nuclear activities will be in accordance with its needs and within the framework of its declared policies.

On June 18, Iran and the United States signed the MoU on ending the war in the region on all fronts, including Lebanon. Under the MoU, the two sides have agreed to hold negotiations within 60 days to reach a final agreement.

Earlier in the day, the United States and Iran had agreed to pause mutual attacks "for now" and hold talks on Tuesday in Doha, the capital of Qatar, to work out their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, US media outlet Axios reported.

The two sides will stand down "for now" and "vessels can move freely" as technical talks are set to continue, a US official was quoted as saying.

The Tuesday talks were originally set to be held in Switzerland and focused on Iran's nuclear program. However, renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz prompted the talks to be moved to Doha, shifting the focus to shipping security in the strategic waterway.

â€"IANS

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"Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran met Dr Arnold Kammel, Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defence in Vienna. Substantive discussions on taking forward bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters following the Letter of Intent signed during the Austrian Chancellor's visit to India in April 2026," the Embassy/Permanent Mission of India in Vienna wrote on X.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Letter of Intent (LoI) on Cooperation in Military Matters will provide an institutional framework for promoting cooperation in military matters, defence industrial and technology partnership, building on the momentum of the India-EU Defence and Security Partnership signed on January 27, as well as facilitating defence policy dialogue, training and capacity building.

During the Austrian Chancellor's visit, an LoI was also signed on the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, which will advance counter terrorism cooperation between India and Austria, including the goal of both sides to work together to establish a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism for exploring areas of strategic cooperation on issues relating to the fight against terrorism.

On Friday, the Ambassador met members of the India Friendship Group in the Austrian Parliament and discussed the growing momentum in bilateral relations.

"Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran met members of the India Friendship Group in Austrian Parliament. Members of the Group from the National Council of Austria, Ms. Elisabeth Gotze (The Greens-Chair), Mr. Harald Servus (OVP), Mr. Andreas Minnich (OVP), Dr. Axel Kassegger (FPO), Mr. Gerhard Kaniak (FPO) and Mr. Yannick Shetty (NEOS) attended," the Embassy/Permanent Mission of India in Vienna wrote on X.

"Wide-ranging discussions on the growing momentum in India-Austria relations and opportunities to further deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, sustainability, innovation, mobility, supply chain resilience as well as new areas including security and defence, Space and emerging technologies," it added.

–IANS

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Addressing a joint press conference with Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat in Canberra, Albanese said, "Our agreement reflects and confirms Australia's role as Vanuatu's largest and most comprehensive economic, security and development partner. A responsibility that we take seriously. Above all, it is built on an equal partnership. We have concluded a balanced agreement that will protect our collective and individual security and our sovereignty. And it will support our interest in a stable, prosperous and secure region that we both call home."

"Importantly, this agreement advances the consensus that security is the shared responsibility of the Pacific family, the members of the Pacific Island Forum. It encapsulates Vanuatu's sovereign decision not to permit its territory to be used for any foreign military base or infrastructure and that Vanuatu's critical infrastructure remains free from militarisation," he added.

Albanese said that Vanuatu, under Nakamal, has committed to continuing to look to Pacific Island Forum members to support its policing needs, including Australia as Vanuatu's longstanding primary policing partner.

Under the agreement, the two nations committed to transparency, including through advance notice where possible, on matters affecting sovereignty, peace or stability. Recognising Australia as Vanuatu’s longstanding primary policing partner, Vanuatu shall prioritise any policing request to Pacific Islands Forum members, as per the agreement. The two nations agreed to elevate assistance to the Vanuatu Police Force in police training and equipment, policing, maritime security, cyber security, intelligence cooperation, and infrastructure.

Under the agreement, Australia and Vanuatu committed to deepen, expand and advance security dialogue and cooperation on bilateral and regional issues on the basis of equal partnership and shared interests.

"Australia and Vanuatu have taken our relationship to new heights. With the signing of the historic Nakamal Agreement, we’re building a stronger and more secure Pacific. It’s a win for Australia. A win for Vanuatu. And a win for our region," Albanese posted on X.

Jotham Napat termed the Nakamal Agreement a "significant step" in the Vanuatu-Australia ties and stressed that the two nations are "close neighbours, trusted partners."

Napat said, "Today marks a significant step in the Vanuatu-Australia relationship with the signing of the long-awaited Nakamal Agreement. Australia and Vanuatu are close neighbours, trusted partners and enduring friends. Today's meeting reaffirms our shared commitment to continuing to strengthen the comprehensive partnership between our two countries, founded on mutual respect, trust and our common vision for peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific."

When asked whether the Namele Agreement involving China and Vanuatu will be signed or pushed back, he responded, "The Namele Agreement is still an agreement that is yet to be signed once I get the clearance from Beijing. So, currently it is not yet signed. We will share the agreement. There's nothing to hide. Our government is transparent. And I am so grateful that the Prime Minister also given me the clearance to share the Nakamal Agreement."

The agreement was reached during the meeting between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his East Timorese counterpart, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, held in Seoul earlier in the day, according to the ministry, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Freitas' visit marked the first official trip to South Korea by an East Timorese foreign minister since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2002, though he previously visited the country twice, in 2010 and 2011, while serving as head of East Timor's vocational training and employment agency.

During the talks, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in education, human resource development and government capacity building, which East Timor considers key priorities for its national development.

The ministers also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in climate change-related areas, including greenhouse gas reduction projects, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), as well as in maritime affairs, infrastructure and law enforcement aimed at combating transnational crime.

Cho reaffirmed Seoul's support for East Timor's integration into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and pledged continued assistance for the country's participation in the regional bloc.

Freitas expressed support for South Korea's vision for its comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN and various cooperation initiatives under the framework.

East Timor became ASEAN's 11th member in October 2025.

During the meeting, Cho highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries, recalling South Korea's deployment of the Sangnoksu peacekeeping unit to East Timor during its independence and nation-building process from 1999 to 2003.

"Cho explained Seoul's policy vision for peaceful coexistence with North Korea, while Freitas expressed support for the initiative. The two ministers also agreed to continue working together to promote regional and global peace and stability," the ministry said in a release.

"Forging Maritime Bonds Across the Atlantic. During her port call at Baltimore, Indian Navy's Tall Ship INS Sudarshini undertook a series of high-level engagements, including hosting Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the USA and Aruna Miller, Lieutenant Governor of Maryland. The crew participated in the Baltimore City Parade as part of Sail250 Maryland," the spokesperson of the Indian Navy wrote on X.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship arrived at the Port of Baltimore, underscoring India's rich maritime heritage as well as the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the navies of both countries.

During the visit, the ship will undertake maritime engagement and community outreach activities as part of Sail250 Maryland celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US.

As part of its landmark transoceanic expedition, Lokayan 26, the vessel reached Baltimore on Friday (local time) after sailing from Norfolk, Virginia. The passage included a transit through the historic Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal, beneath major mid-Atlantic bridges.

INS Sudarshini participated in Sail250 Virginia celebrations at Norfolk from June 19 to 23, joining tall ships from across the world and representing India in the Parade of Sail and the City Crew Parade.

"Having sailed over 13,000 nautical miles in five months from Kochi to Norfolk, the transoceanic voyage stands as a testament to India's seafaring traditions and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, fostering friendship, cooperation, and mutual trust across the oceans," the Defence Ministry noted.

Earlier this month, India and the United States held the 29th edition of Army-to-Army Staff Talks in Hawaii, discussing ways to deepen bilateral defence cooperation while reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

–IANS

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"High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika met with Ms. Norah Ratemo, Director General of Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) and her team to review the implementation of the USD15 million Line of Credit (LoC) for SMEs extended by Government of India to the Government of Kenya on concessional basis," the High Commission of India in Nairobi posted on X.

According to the High Commission, 16 projects have already been implemented under this LoC, and six projects are under implementation.

"High Commissioner emphasised on early implementation of the LoC to genuine Kenyan SMEs interested in procuring machinery and other equipment from India," the High Commission highlighted on X.

Last week, the High Commissioner held a meeting with the country's Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, discussing the strengthening of cooperation in the field of climate action.

"High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika called on the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Deborah Mlongo Barasa," the High Commission of India in Nairobi wrote on X.

"The discussions focused on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in climate action, forestry and environmental conservation, including synergies between Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant in the Name of your Mother) initiative and H.E. President Williams Ruto's 15 Billion Trees Campaign," the Embassy added.

The two sides also explored joint environmental activities and partnerships between forestry and environmental institutions of both countries.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Kenya will continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership, anchored in the aspirations of the Global South, following his meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit.

–IANS

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Record heat is not letting go of Italy for now, nor Europe. Even if forecasts speak of thunderstorms and falling temperatures starting from Wednesday, July 1, the heat continues to hit the country,

According to the latest update of the Ministry of Health's heatwave bulletin, the cities on red alert are Ancona, Bari, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Campobasso, Civitavecchia, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, Turin, Venice, Verona, and Viterbo.

The 'Red Alert', or level 3, indicates "emergency conditions, with possible negative health effects on healthy and active people and not only on at-risk subgroups such as the elderly, very young children, and people with chronic diseases."

On Tuesday, Cagliari, Catania, and Trieste will also be put on red alert.

Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary have also reached record temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, as the heatwave that has hit Europe moves eastward. More than 191 million people in the Old Continent have had to face temperatures of at least 35 degrees Celsius, with extreme heat alerts.

In recent days, temperatures have reached values up to +10 degrees Celsius above historical reference averages, even up to 15/20 degrees Celsius in France and Germany, with maximum peaks in recent days of 40 degrees Celsius in Paris.

Since June 21, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 1,300 deaths on the continent are attributable to record heat. "Since June 21, more than 1,300 excess deaths related to high temperatures have been recorded in Europe," WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote in a post on X, specifying that the continent is warming fastest on Earth and "twice the global average."

However, the extreme heatwave that is 'suffocating' Europe and Italy has its days numbered, as strong thunderstorms are on their way, which will bring temperatures back to values more in line with the period. The authorities have warned of the risk of intense hailstorms, triggered precisely by the enormous accumulated thermal energy.

The real turning point is expected from Wednesday, when a disturbed front descending from Northern Europe will hit Italy. The frontal clash between these cool and unstable currents at high altitude and the warm, humid air accumulated over the Mediterranean basin could ignite the fuse for the formation of particularly violent thunderstorm cells.

The concrete risk is that of extreme phenomena such as strong hailstorms and downbursts (violent linear wind gusts exiting the thunderstorm). The regions most exposed to this strong wave of bad weather will initially be those of the North Italy, subsequently extending also to parts of the Center-South. After this rapid but intense stormy phase, the subtropical African anticyclone will try to reclaim lost ground with sun and heat ready to return as major protagonists of the Italian summer.

–IANS

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