India and the UK have concluded a free trade pact, marking London's most significant post-Brexit agreement. The deal aims to boost bilateral trade by $34 billion by 2040, with liberal market access and eased trade restrictions. Tariffs on goods like whisky, advanced manufacturing parts, lamb, salmon, chocolates, and biscuits will be lowered. Quotas for autos imports will also be agreed upon. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal as a "landmark agreement" that will deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations, promoting trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/603383-britain-and-india-clinch-landmark-trade-deal-in-shadow-of-trumps-tariffsIran's Foreign Minister Araghchi has called for the US to abandon its "unrealistic and illogical" stances in nuclear negotiations, stating that Tehran can resolve concerns about acquiring nuclear weapons through diplomacy. Araghchi said a deal is achievable if the goal is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, and emphasized the need for mutual respect and interests. The US has demanded the total dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program, while Trump has indicated openness to discussing civilian use.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/irans-araghchi-accuses-israels-netanyahu-of-dragging-us-into-middle-east-crisis-13885741.htmlIran's government reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy with the US, despite a postponed round of nuclear talks in Rome due to logistical reasons. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran remains flexible on timing and is waiting for details from mediator Oman. The US negotiating team's behavior is what matters, according to Baghaei, who emphasized Iran's determination to defend its positions, including uranium enrichment rights.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1308737-iran-says-its-stance-on-nuclear-talks-with-us-remains-constantA group of U.N. agencies and aid groups in the Palestinian territory claim Israel is attempting to take control of aid distribution, proposing that supplies be delivered through Israeli hubs under military conditions. This plan is seen as a violation of humanitarian principles and may be used as a pressure tactic to reinforce Israel's grip on life-sustaining items.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/israel-says-most-gazans-to-be-displaced-in-expanded-operation-208842Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has conducted an impact analysis on the potential effects of a 24% tariff imposed by the US on Malaysian exports. If negotiations fail to yield desired results, investors may divest and move to less exposed countries, leading to job losses in sectors such as electrical and electronics, automotive spare parts, and logistics. The country risks becoming a dumping ground for cheap products from China, putting pressure on local companies and stifling innovation. To counter this, Malaysia is implementing a three-pronged strategy, including bilateral talks with the US, led by Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, to negotiate a favorable trade agreement.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/06/job-losses-divestment-and-dumping-miti-shares-initial-findings-if-us-tariff-talks-fail/175757Russia is prepared to assist in advancing negotiations between Iran and the US, with President Putin expressing a commitment to fostering dialogue aimed at reaching an equitable agreement based on international law principles. He also mentioned Russia's willingness to facilitate discussions to secure a fair deal. The conversation touched on bilateral relations, including significant energy projects.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/putin-backs-fair-us-iran-nuclear-deal-offers-russias-help-in-talks-ws-d-13885962.htmlRussia declares readiness for peace negotiations without preconditions, aiming to eliminate the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and engage in constructive interaction with international partners.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/russia-says-will-retaliate-if-ukraine-violates-victory-day-ceasefire/The US is not planning to visit Israel amid concerns over the fate of American-Israeli hostages held in Gaza, including Edan Alexander and Omri Miran. The Israeli government's plan to cut off aid to Gaza has led to dire shortages of food, medicine, and supplies, with many Palestinians struggling to access basic necessities. Aid organizations warn that malnutrition and hunger are becoming increasingly prevalent, with some groups running out of food and cooking almost exclusively pasta for weeks. Displaced Palestinians fear their children will die from starvation rather than missile attacks, as the UN reports that most of Gaza's population relies on aid.
https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-war-plan-reaction-e11aa45f829100c6e9b8afdaa4b2567fHumanitarian aid has been blocked or restricted in several countries including Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, Burma, Syria, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Gaza due to US laws that prohibit assistance to foreign security forces involved in human rights violations. Israel's blockade on Gaza has sparked international concern, with the UN and Palestinian representatives accusing it of breaking international law by refusing aid entry. The US has sent military and other assistance abroad despite concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, which has risen since President Donald Trump took office. Aid workers have also accused Sudanese paramilitaries of hindering aid deliveries in territories under their control.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/humanitarian-aid-restrictions-may-violate-us-law-us-democrats-say-5111701