Indian lawmakers engaged in a two-and-a-half-hour discussion with four experts to mend ties with Bangladesh. The meeting included former National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon and former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, among others. They emphasized the shared cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh, citing Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Islam as examples. The lawmakers suggested a soft launch of cultural diplomacy through West Bengal to ease tensions between the two nations. They also raised concerns about China's influence in Bangladesh and illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mps-across-party-lines-in-parliamentary-panel-support-forward-looking-policy-for-bangladesh/article69745963.ecePakistan's Defence Minister Asif has reiterated the country's stance on global and regional issues, including terrorism in Indian-administered Kashmir (IIOJK) and Balochistan, which he claims are sponsored by India. During a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Asif called for collective action against terrorism, urging member countries to refrain from politicizing anti-terrorism efforts. He also condemned terrorist attacks in IIOJK and Balochistan, blaming India for sponsoring such attacks. The SCO's joint declaration will only be issued if all member countries agree to sign it.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/611117-india-declined-to-sign-sco-joint-statement-after-being-denied-second-turn-to-speak-says-asifPakistan's Defence Minister Asif has reaffirmed the country's commitment to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) principles and objectives, while also condemning terrorism as a common threat that needs collective action. He urged member countries to refrain from politicising anti-terrorism efforts and called on states to hold each other accountable for sponsoring terrorist attacks in regions like Indian-administered Kashmir and Balochistan. Asif emphasized the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan for regional stability and sustainable prosperity, and stressed that unresolved conflicts in Kashmir pose a constant threat to global peace and security.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1324917-khawaja-asif-says-indian-counterpart-refused-to-sign-sco-statement-over-speaking-turnPakistan has welcomed a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, confirming its jurisdiction in proceedings related to the Indus Waters Treaty with India. The ruling comes after hearings held at the Peace Palace in July 2024 and paves the way for Pakistan's case on the merits of the dispute. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan's readiness to engage in a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu & Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40369954/pakistan-welcomes-indus-waters-arbitration-ruling-urges-dialogue-with-indiaRwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed an agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries. The deal calls for Rwanda to end its "defensive measures" taken against the FDLR, a group linked to the 1994 Rwanda genocide, while the DRC seeks to neutralize the FDLR. The agreement also establishes a joint security coordination body to facilitate the return of refugees and secure mineral rights in the DRC, which has significant mineral reserves including lithium and cobalt. US President Donald Trump has taken credit for the diplomacy leading to the deal, which he believes will grant the US access to these resources. However, critics, including gynecologist Denis Mukwege, argue that the agreement benefits Rwanda and the US at the expense of justice and Congolese sovereignty.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/rwanda-dr-congo-sign-peace-deal-in-us-after-rebel-sweep/article_274c25f1-7888-5b0d-815a-05fbcf3a61d9.htmlThe White House announced a framework to implement the Geneva agreement on trade with China, following talks in London. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that Washington and Beijing have reached an understanding on issues including expediting rare earth shipments to the US. The agreement comes after President Donald Trump's administration and China agreed to temporarily lower tariffs on each other's products. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the July 9 deadline for steeper tariffs is not critical, and the president can extend or set a reciprocal tariff rate he believes is advantageous for the US.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/06/27/us-china-reach-trade-breakthrough-on-rare-earth-exports-as-tariff-pause-looms/181854Canada and Mexico are facing tariffs of up to 25% imposed by former US President Trump in an effort to curb fentanyl smuggling, but some products remain protected under the 2020 US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declined to comment on ending trade talks with Canada after a private meeting with Republican senators. The US relies heavily on Canada for crude oil and electricity imports, as well as steel, aluminum, uranium, and critical minerals such as those needed by the Pentagon.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/nation-world/trump-terminates-trade-talks-canada-over-technology-firms-tax/507-8cee155c-cb4e-4834-a6ea-994deb76a567US President Donald Trump has suspended trade talks with Canada due to the country's plans to continue a tax on technology firms, calling it "a direct and blatant attack on our country." The US had imposed tariffs of up to 25% on steel, aluminum, and autos, as well as a 10% tax on imports from most countries. Trump is set to send letters to other countries informing them of new tariff rates, which could be raised to 50% for certain goods.
https://www.koat.com/article/trump-terminating-trade-talks-canada/65224415US President Donald Trump has suspended trade talks with Canada due to its decision to proceed with a digital services tax on technology firms. The tax, which will apply retroactively and impact companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, Uber, and Airbnb, is seen as a "direct and blatant attack" by Trump. As a result, the US will impose tariffs on Canadian goods, with a $2 billion US bill due at the end of the month.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/the-president/trump-says-hes-terminating-trade-talks-with-canada-over-tax-on-technology-firms