Pakistan's opposition alliance, TTAP, met with Afghanistan's ambassador in Islamabad to urge dialogue and reduce tensions. The meeting was held at the residence of Asad Qaiser, Secretary General of TTAP, and was attended by Afghan officials. Imran Khan's message, conveyed through Qaiser, emphasized the importance of prioritizing peace and dialogue over confrontation. The discussion focused on repairing strained diplomatic relations, addressing trade disruptions, and revitalizing people-to-people connectivity. Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb reaffirmed Kabul's commitment to fostering mutually respectful relations with Islamabad, and announced plans for a high-level TTAP delegation to visit Afghanistan in the coming weeks.
Turkiye accuses Israel of seeking greater Israel expansion, citing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's comments. Smotrich suggested expanding Israel's border areas to include Damascus, and envisioning a future where Jerusalem expands to encompass the entire Palestinian territory plus parts of Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
The UAE reaffirmed its full solidarity with Qatar, condemning Israeli aggression during an urgent UN Human Rights Council debate in Geneva. Permanent Representative Jamal Al Musharakh stated that the attack constitutes a breach of international law and human rights principles. The UAE expressed condolences to Qatar's government and people over the martyrdom of a member of its Internal Security Force, emphasizing that Qatar's security is integral to GCC stability. Al Musharakh warned that any aggression against a GCC member state undermines collective Gulf security and pushes the region towards instability.
The Philippines and the UK are discussing a Visiting Forces Agreement, which would allow troops to deploy on each other's soil. This comes as Manila deepens its security ties with Western allies amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. The proposed agreement mirrors those already made with the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Lord Vernon Coaker presented a letter from British Defence Secretary John Healey during a meeting in Manila, expressing the UK's intent to forge an agreement. The Philippine Navy will receive its largest budget increase next year, with funding rising by 8.3 billion pesos or 16.3%.
The UK is preparing for President Trump's second state visit, with a focus on solidifying the initial trade deal negotiated in May. The Starmer government aims to put more detail on the agreement, which offers relief on some auto tariffs but leaves more negotiation on steel and aluminum tariffs. Ian Lesser, a distinguished fellow with the German Marshall Fund, notes that both leaders are seeking tangible outcomes from the meetings to boost their respective relationships. President Trump has expressed openness to discussing trade further with the UK, while Prime Minister Starmer may press him on sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk emphasized the need for full access to Zaporizhzhia NPP by IAEA experts during her speech at the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna. Grynchuk urged creating an international mechanism of control over the temporarily occupied facility to ensure nuclear safety.
UN Chief Antonio Guterres urged world leaders to focus on solutions amid global crises, highlighting multiple crises including widening geopolitical divides, raging conflicts and climate change. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and mediation, with nearly 150 heads of state and government expected to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly. Key priorities include peace in the Gaza Strip, Ukraine and Sudan; a pathway to a just, lasting peace in the Middle East; climate action and responsible technological innovation. Guterres also stressed women's rights, sustainable development financing and strengthening the UN, warning that leaders must make progress and follow through on their commitments.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is pushing for reform of the UN Security Council, citing a lack of legitimacy and efficiency. Guterres credits his own efforts for increasing interest in reform, which was previously taboo. Africa's claims for permanent seats are driving the momentum, with several countries recognizing the continent's right to a permanent member. Guterres also advocates for curbing veto powers, particularly in cases of human rights violations or dramatic situations. France and the UK have proposed limiting veto rights, which Guterres sympathetically acknowledges. He blames geopolitics and permanent members' impunity for the Security Council's paralysis in resolving conflicts, which he sees as a major failure of the UN.
US and India Discuss Trade Amid Tensions Over Textiles India has expressed positive views on trade discussions with the US, indicating a forward-looking relationship. The call between Indian and US officials did not reveal any agreements on Ukraine, but suggests a thawing of tensions that had escalated in recent months. The US had imposed 25% tariffs on Indian imports, doubling overall tariffs to 50%, in an effort to pressure Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. This move was a response to India's resistance to opening its farm and dairy markets, which had led to the cancellation of a planned US delegation visit to New Delhi. As a result, India's exports to the US fell to $6.86 billion in August from $8.01 billion in July, with exporters warning that the full impact of higher tariffs would be felt from September. India and the US are in talks to resolve a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which could shred India's textile exports. The US has imposed tariffs on various Indian products, including textiles, in response to India's trade policies. However, the two countries are working together to find a solution that benefits both nations. The Indian stock market is also closely watching the developments, with textile stocks such as Welspun and Vardhman Textiles seeing a significant impact. The Indian government is also closely monitoring the situation, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stating that India will not compromise on its trade policies. US President Trump has expressed support for Indian Prime Minister Modi's role in Ukraine peace efforts, also wishing him a happy birthday amidst tense trade talks. Trump has increased duties on most Indian goods from 25% to 50%, complicating trade negotiations. Experts believe that a deal will require tough negotiations, with progress dependent on Washington rolling back the oil-linked 25% duty.