Negotiators are seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive word to clinch a landmark US trade deal. The Indian government is engaged in talks with the US over trade agreements, with negotiations led by Commerce Secretary Anurag Srivastava and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. The talks aim to resolve outstanding issues and finalize a comprehensive trade agreement between the two countries.
https://www.livemint.com/news/pmo-trade-offs-dairy-farm-poultry-us-trade-deal-digital-trade-services-textiles-and-industrial-goods-agriculture-tariff-11752235350410.htmlNorth Korea's Choi Song-hee has expressed support for Russia's stance on protecting state sovereignty, opposing imperialism, and promoting international justice. During Russian diplomat Sergey Lavrov's visit, the two nations aim to deepen strategic dialogue and expand cooperation in all areas, building on their strong, historically significant ties demonstrated by North Korea's participation in the 2000 Kursk region operation.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/985400-moscow-and-pyongyang-vowed-invincible-brotherhood-lavrov-highlighted-the-role-of-korean-fighters-in-the-kursk-regionPakistan maintains strong strategic ties with China, its "iron brother," while also pursuing cordial relations with the US. Pakistan values its partnerships and seeks balanced engagement based on mutual respect. The country will participate in the upcoming SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting, where Deputy Prime Minister Dar is scheduled to attend. However, there are currently no plans for a bilateral meeting or handshake with India's External Affairs Minister. The Indus Waters Treaty affects over 250 million people, and recent court decisions have weakened India's position on the issue. Pakistan Steel Mills' revival symbolizes its friendship with Russia, while Pakistan remains in contact with Washington to address trade tariffs and is hopeful for a positive outcome that benefits both sides.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40372350/india-pakistan-conflict-fo-rejects-indian-nsas-remarksPakistan has responded to Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's claims about the May 7 attacks by labeling his remarks as "replete with distortions and misrepresentations". The Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson stated that boasting of military aggression against a sovereign nation is a grave breach of the UN Charter and international law. Pakistan also highlighted that the Indian actions resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, and accused India of sponsoring terrorism globally, which has become more apparent to the international community.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1327884-ceasefire-intact-but-indian-political-leadership-unable-to-digest-it-darPakistan's Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, held a bilateral meeting with Vietnam's Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien, to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The meeting focused on trade diversification, market access, investment promotion, and industrial development. Both ministers emphasized the need for enhanced business-to-business linkages and cooperation in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and energy. Vietnam expressed interest in increasing imports of Pakistani rice, textiles, and leather products, while Pakistan offered greater access to Central Asian and Middle Eastern markets through regional connectivity projects. The meeting concluded with a shared vision to elevate bilateral trade volume and foster long-term economic partnership.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40372358/talks-on-pta-with-vietnam-to-begin-next-yearParis prosecutors have launched a preliminary probe into X, a social media platform owned by Elon Musk, after complaints of alleged foreign interference. The investigation, led by Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, centers on "organised interference with the functioning of an automated data processing system" and "organised fraudulent extraction of data from an automated data processing system". Pavel Durov, Telegram's Russian-born founder, is under judicial supervision in France after being arrested last year. Musk has been accused of using X to support right-wing parties and causes in several European countries, including France, Germany, and Britain, sparking a debate about free speech that has drawn attention from senior Trump officials.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/07/12/french-police-investigate-musks-x-over-alleged-algorithm-abuse-and-data-fraud/183693US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says tariffs announced by the US will not strain ties with ASEAN, as they are global in scope. He believes some countries may get lower tariff rates before August 1, citing a possible arrangement that could change numbers positively. The US has built up trade deficits with Europe, Canada and Mexico over years, which is unsustainable, Rubio said. The US will impose a 25% tariff on Malaysian products starting August 1, 1% point higher than the previous announcement. Rubio also discussed a potential visit by President Donald Trump to China, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and extended an invitation for a mutually agreeable date.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/12/us-tariffs-wont-harm-ties-says-rubioThe Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is set to host a meeting of its Council of Heads of State, where member countries China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan will discuss cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and counter-terrorism. The meeting aims to strengthen regional ties and address global challenges like terrorism and climate change.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1338182.shtmlThe US government is reorganizing its diplomatic structure, aiming to give more power to regional bureaus and embassies, while eliminating programs and offices that don't align with America's core interests. This plan would also eliminate the role of a top official for civilian security, democracy, and human rights, as well as close some war crimes monitoring offices. The reorganization was initially expected to be completed by July 1 but was delayed due to ongoing litigation. After a US Supreme Court ruling on July 7, the Trump administration can now proceed with its plans, which are being coordinated between The White House Counsel's Office and the Office of Personnel Management.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/state-department-starts-firing-more-1350-workers-trumps-shake-diplomatic-corps