Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has warned President Donald Trump that his 50% tariffs on India could push New Delhi closer to Russia and China, contrary to the intention of hurting Russia. Bolton criticized Trump's "leniency" towards China for similar sanctions and "heavy-handed" tariffs on India, saying this could jeopardize decades of efforts to keep India away from Russia and China. He also expressed concern that if China secures a better trade deal with the US, it could lead to resentment in India, which has been paused by Trump due to its larger trade surplus with the US.
The US government's efforts to restrict Russia's access to global finance may have unintended consequences, as secondary sanctions could impact non-US entities that currently avoid dealing with Russian financial systems due to existing restrictions. For instance, if a European bank is prohibited from working with Russian banks, it may be forced to cut ties with Russian companies, potentially disrupting international trade and commerce.
The US and India have strengthened their defence cooperation, with regular joint exercises and intelligence sharing across all domains. In response to Russia's declining influence as a primary arms supplier, India has diversified its defence portfolio, turning to the US, France, and Israel for advanced capabilities. Despite this shift, structural dependence on Russian-origin platforms remains, particularly in areas like air defence and armoured vehicles. Indian officials have expressed no interest in acquiring Russia's new S-500 long-range surface-to-air missile system. Energy trade has also become a point of contention, with India expanding its imports of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine conflict began, but now facing pressure to reduce these imports if equivalent terms can be secured elsewhere.
India and the US have agreed for the US to re-evaluate its policy on supplying advanced military equipment, including fifth-generation fighter jets like the F-35 and submarine systems, following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump in February 2025.
Japan's Ambassador to Laos, Koizumi Tsutomu, emphasized Japan's commitment to supporting Laos' infrastructure development through notable projects such as the Second Mekong Friendship Bridge, the Pakse Bridge, and the Sekong Bridge, which have significantly improved connectivity in the region. Additionally, upgrades to Wattay International Airport and improvements to National Road No. 13 are also part of Japan's efforts to enhance Laos' infrastructure, further solidifying its long-standing support for the country's development.
Malaysia and Singapore strengthened their bilateral relations through high-level discussions, with Malaysia's Minister for Trade and Industry, Ahmad Zahid, emphasizing the country's role as the region's leading halal hub. The talks included cooperation on vocational education and training (TVET), with Singapore sending trainers to Malaysia. A luncheon meeting between Ahmad Zahid and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam concluded the engagements, aiming to translate discussions into actions that would benefit both countries in the future.
Former Indian ambassador Nirupama Rao and author Sanjaya Baru have criticized US President Donald Trump's tariff move, saying it has disrupted India-US relations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a strong stance against the tariffs, framing his defiance as a defense of farmers and fishermen, while also signaling he is willing to pay a political price for it.
Germany, Italy, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand have condemned Israel's plan to expand its control over Gaza, calling it a "catastrophic humanitarian situation" that will endanger hostages and risk civilian displacement. The foreign ministers of these countries urged an immediate ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages without conditions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet ignored military warnings from Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who said the plan would put hostages' lives at risk. International aid drops have been criticized for being costly and dangerous, with many supplies landing in the Mediterranean Sea or red zones, putting Palestinians' lives in danger. The UN estimates 500-600 trucks of aid are needed daily, but most are stripped of supplies before reaching warehouses due to desperation and criminal activity.
A new proposal is being discussed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatar's prime minister in Spain to end the war, which would include the release of all hostages - dead and alive - in one go. The plan also involves Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. Families of hostages are urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "shut the country down" amid fears over 50 remaining hostages, with 20 thought to be alive and struggling. The international community, including Germany, Britain, France, Canada, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, has strongly rejected Israel's decision for a large-scale military operation, calling it a "dangerous and unacceptable escalation" that will worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza.