Diplomats, including UN chief Antonio Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are urging leaders to avoid a military confrontation between India and Pakistan. US President Donald Trump hopes the fighting ends quickly, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls the Indian attack "unprovoked" and "cowardly". Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit New Delhi today as Tehran seeks to mediate. The situation escalated after India threatened to stop water flowing across its borders into Pakistan, which warned this would be an act of war.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/07/i-saw-shelling-rain-down-dozens-die-as-india-pakistan-trade-missile-strikes-amid-worst-violence-in-decades/175881India and Pakistan have escalated tensions over the Kashmir region, with a recent missile attack in Pahalgam sparking strikes along the Line of Control. The conflict has raised concerns about regional stability, prompting Iran to offer mediation under the Indus Waters Treaty. US diplomatic efforts are also underway, as President Narendra Modi's government seeks to address nuclear rivals and cross-border tensions. Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faces criticism for his handling of the crisis, with some accusing him of failing to prevent Lashkar-e-Taiba militant groups from carrying out attacks in Kashmir. The UN has responded by calling for calm and urging restraint, as South Asia security hangs in the balance.
https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/07/india-launches-strikes-on-pakistan-islamabad-vows-to-settle-the-score/India launched missile strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Tuesday night, causing multiple explosions and injuring several people. The Pakistani military has responded with security measures, including cordoning off streets and evacuating residents from damaged areas. Indian fighter jets were also seen flying over Srinagar, the capital of Indian Kashmir. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the situation, calling for maximum restraint from both countries. US President Donald Trump commented on the escalation, stating that a military confrontation between India and Pakistan would be unacceptable.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14684955/India-missile-attacks-terrorist-sites-Pakistan.htmlPakistan faces significant economic challenges that could hinder its ability to wage a conventional war. Moody's Ratings has warned that a prolonged conflict with India would negatively impact Pakistan's economic growth, but did not project similar consequences for India apart from increased defense spending affecting the government's fiscal position. The situation escalated after India struck sites in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, resulting in multiple deaths and damage.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-07/india-pakistan-kashmir-conflict-what-happens-next/105262466Ehsan Malik, Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council, warned that US tariffs could lead to a global rise in protectionism, disrupting international trade flows. He highlighted Pakistan's improving macroeconomic outlook, citing its ongoing IMF programme, increased foreign exchange reserves, and low inflation, as well as benefits from low fuel costs and a strong wheat crop.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1308994-pbc-chief-warns-us-tariffs-could-fuel-global-protectionismPakistan's Prime Minister has vowed a strong response to India's imposed war, citing high morale among the nation and its forces. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over Indian military strikes on Pakistan, specifically highlighting operations across the Line of Control and international border.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1309153-pm-shehbaz-others-condemn-indian-strikes-on-pakistanPakistan has conducted two missile tests, escalating tensions with neighboring India, which has fought multiple wars since independence from the British in 1947. The international community, including UN chief Antonio Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric, is urging restraint. US President Donald Trump hopes for a quick end to fighting, while Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the situation. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the Indian attack as "unprovoked" and "cowardly", threatening retaliation. The strikes come amid heightened tensions over water sharing, with India suspending its part of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, which is critical for Pakistan's consumption and agriculture.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/07/india-carries-out-precision-strikes-on-pakistan-at-least-eight-dead-islamabad-vows-retaliation/175802Pakistan's Commerce Minister Kamal welcomed the visit of a USPBC delegation, stating it will strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The minister praised USPBC's efforts to boost trade and investment over the past two decades. Pakistan values the US as its largest export destination and is committed to creating a predictable business environment. The recent 90-day tariff pause offers an opportunity for constructive engagement, with US CDA Baker highlighting positive developments in agricultural trade, such as soybean exports. Pakistan's textile industry sees high-quality cotton demand from the US, while the government aims to reduce policy rates, inflation, and electricity prices to improve ease of doing business.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40361438/pakistan-us-to-further-strengthen-economic-tiesColombian President Gustavo Petro plans to sign a "letter of intent" to join China's Belt and Road Initiative during his upcoming visit to Beijing, marking a significant shift in the country's foreign policy. The move is expected to strain relations with the US, particularly under President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Colombian products after denying entry to two US military planes carrying deported Colombians. Petro's decision comes as Chinese officials have been pressuring his government to join the initiative, which would provide Beijing with increased economic and political leverage in Latin America.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/colombia-moves-to-join-chinas-belt-and-road/article_e04b9199-f909-542e-a603-3641377c4a5d.html