US President Trump has been taking credit for resolving conflicts involving India and Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Cambodia and Thailand, as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan, but these claims appear to be an attempt to boost his peacemaker credentials. Leaks from a meeting between Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin suggest that Russia is unlikely to make significant concessions on Ukraine, with Moscow insisting on maintaining control of seized territory in eastern Ukraine and seeking a ban on Ukrainian NATO membership. Trump has predicted "some swapping of territories" for an agreement, but Ukraine's President Zelensky has not been invited to talks, and his country faces a difficult dilemma if it rejects the offer, which could lead to further conflict and potentially leave it without significant international support.
US President Trump has warned that a court halt of tariffs on India would cause a "Great Depression", while India considers the tariffs "unilateral, punitive measures" that hurt global trade norms. The US decision is seen as an attempt to secure an unfair trade deal, with some speculating it's economic blackmail. The MEA team will present evidence of shared democratic values and converging strategic and economic interests between the two countries, highlighting the bipartisan nature of their relationship. Trump has also provided support for India's concerns over cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, including the extradition of a key suspect in the 26/11 attack.
US President Donald Trump is open to holding a trilateral summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A White House official confirmed that the idea is being discussed, but it's not yet final. The meeting between Trump and Putin is already scheduled for August 15 in Alaska, while Zelenskyy's visit to Alaska remains uncertain. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of attempting to mislead Washington ahead of talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, stating
The US has blocked Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, from visiting Pakistan due to security concerns. The decision was made after a meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers, which was intended to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues. The US is reportedly concerned about Pakistan's ties with China and its potential impact on regional stability.
The Taliban's foreign minister, Muttaqi, was blocked from traveling to Pakistan by the US due to concerns about his growing ties with China. The US delayed a UN Security Council exemption that would have allowed him to visit Pakistan, citing "procedural issues". The US has clashed with China and Russia at the committee, which manages sanctions targeting Taliban-linked individuals and groups. The Afghan Foreign Minister's trip was initially brokered by China, but ultimately fell through due to the US' refusal to grant a waiver.
The US has deployed its Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system to Australia's Northern Territory as part of the Talisman Sabre 2025 military exercise, a move that could intensify regional rivalry with China. The deployment is seen as a demonstration of the US's ability to rapidly deploy advanced capabilities in support of its allies and partners. Chinese experts warn that this move will further heighten tensions between the two nations, but also note that China has been developing its own hypersonic weapons at a rapid pace. The US aims to strengthen its deterrence against China by showcasing its military muscle and unity with its allies, including Australia.
The US is leading in armaments and aerospace trade with India, driven by two main factors. Firstly, a decrease in Indian imports of Russian weapons from over 70% to 36%, as reported by SIPRI. Secondly, significant services and intangible imports from the US, including Big Tech services routed through Ireland. This has led to an increase in armaments and aerospace purchases from the US, such as Apache helicopters, GE 404 engines for India's indigenous fighter aircraft, Predator drones, and P8-i Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker has revealed that discussions with Russian technical experts prior to a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump centered on exploring potential territory exchanges as a means to resolve the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, indicating a possible diplomatic effort to find a peaceful resolution.
The impact of US tariffs on global trade is a complex issue, with countries such as China and Canada being significantly affected. According to recent reports, China's exports to the US have indeed slowed down due to the high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, with some Chinese companies like Huawei facing significant losses. On the other hand, American consumers have shown resistance to paying higher prices for imported goods, leading to a decline in demand from countries like Canada and Mexico. As a result, both the US and its trading partners must adapt to new trade dynamics, with potential implications for global supply chains and economic growth.