US Senator Marco Rubio has described India as a "strategic partner" but also highlighted differences in their relationship, particularly regarding Russia ties. Rubio stated that while the US and India share common interests, they cannot align 100% on all issues. This nuanced view reflects the complexities of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Sir Keir Starmer's pledge to recognize a Palestinian state may reduce chances of a ceasefire. The UK will only consider recognition if Israel allows aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire, and signs up to a long-term peace process within two months. France and Canada have also announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, with Rubio calling the move "irrelevant".
The crisis in West Asia is prompting international responses, including sanctions from the US and EU, which are putting pressure on key powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to intensify diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. Saudi Arabia is taking a leading role by dispatching aid to Gaza, recognizing Palestinian statehood, and strengthening ties with the Palestinian Authority, positioning itself as a regional stabilizer. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has secured exclusive rights to develop Sphere entertainment venues across MENA, furthering the Gulf's push into global cultural and tech markets.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui praised Pakistan's foreign policy under Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar as "effective and commendable" during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch. The foreign secretary briefed him on diplomatic initiatives to address tensions with India, including efforts to raise the issue of Palestine at international forums. Siddiqui expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' performance, noting that Pakistan's diplomacy has successfully countered India's narrative on the Pahalgam incident.
Slovenia has ordered its Ministry of Defence to stop exporting and transiting military weapons and equipment to Israel due to serious violations of international law, humanitarian law, and human rights in the West Bank and Gaza. The decision is based on Slovenian law and aims to maintain security and stability within the country.
South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan praised President Trump as a "master of negotiations" after a deal was announced in Washington on July 30. The agreement is significant for South Korea, which relies heavily on exports. Kim and his team, including Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, used role-playing to prepare for the talks.
Representatives from South Sudan's government and rebel groups, along with observers from the US, Qatar, and the African Union, met in Washington to discuss progress on implementing a peace deal signed earlier this year. The meeting was seen as a significant milestone by the African Union and the UN, following a series of broken truces and ceasefires.
Major General Winthai Suvaree, Royal Thai Army spokesperson, stated that Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand are undergoing legal processes under national and international laws. The soldiers cannot be immediately repatriated as they must first complete these processes. Winthai rejected the term "prisoners of war" for the 18 Cambodian soldiers, instead referring to them as "detained." He emphasized that the soldiers are being handled with respect, in accordance with military ethics and international conventions. Thailand's Commander of the Second Military Region, Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, had previously explained the situation to Malaysia's Chief of the Armed Forces, General Dato' Mohammad Nizam Jaafar. Cambodia's Ministry of Defense has urged Thailand to repatriate their 20 soldiers as soon as possible, but Thailand insists on completing legal processes before making a decision.
Thailand has requested a bilateral security meeting with Cambodia to be moved from Phnom Penh to Malaysia due to the sensitive nature of the situation. The meeting, originally scheduled for August 4, will now take place in Malaysia as part of its role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Thailand's Acting Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit made the request to his Cambodian counterpart, citing the need for more time to discuss border security issues. The meeting aims to de-escalate tensions following deadly clashes between the two countries, which have resulted in over 40 deaths and displaced around 300,000 people along their border.