International Relations NewsFeed

March 31, 2025

Finland's Stubb Contradicts Trump on NATO Support

Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin's counterpart, Finland's leader, has expressed support for Ukraine joining NATO in the long run, contradicting the Trump administration's stance. After meeting with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Finnish Prime Minister Stubb stated that European leaders are taking steps to address American concerns about defense spending, shifting focus towards increased responsibility for their own security and defense.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/finnish-president-trump-should-give-putin-three-weeks-agree-ukraine-ceasefire

March 31, 2025

Hauser Symposium Explores US-China Security Risks Online

The Hauser Symposium will explore US-China collaboration's global implications and its impact on national security, with a focus on how the US should respond to emerging threats. The symposium is supported by the Hauser Foundation and will be held virtually, with audio, video, and transcript recordings available on the Council on Foreign Relations website.

https://cfr.org/blog/critical-minerals-executive-order-leverages-dfc-and-national-security-authorities

March 31, 2025

Holtec Wins India Nuclear Power Plant Contract

The US Department of Energy has given final approval for a US company, Holtec International, to jointly design and build nuclear power plants in India. The approval comes after nearly two decades of negotiation and fine-tuning of blueprints. Under the India-US civil nuclear deal signed in 2007 by Manmohan Singh and George W Bush, US firms could export reactors but not design or manufacture equipment in India. Now, Indian companies Larsen & Toubro Limited, Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd, and Holtec Asia will jointly manufacture Small Modular Reactors with US firm Holtec International. The deal is seen as a big win for Indian diplomacy, allowing the country to build nuclear power plants with more advanced technology.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/india-us-to-jointly-design-manufacture-nuclear-reactors-in-india-8054762#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

March 31, 2025

IMF's Georgieva Downplays Trump Tariff Threats Impact

US President Donald Trump's tariff threats have caused anxiety globally, but International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva believes the impact will be limited. The IMF may downgrade its global economic forecast to 3.3% due to uncertainty around trade, but does not predict a recession. Georgieva notes that countries are being forced to build resilience through their own policies, citing recent changes in European defense investment.

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/us-tariffs-causing-anxiety-no-dramatic-economic-impact-imf-chief

March 31, 2025

India's Trade Strategy Wins Expert Panel Approval

A panel of experts has expressed confidence in India's economic choices in the post-WTO world, citing a sound strategy that balances trade agreements with domestic needs. The panel, which includes Ashwani Kumar, suggests that India's approach to global trade is prudent and will help the country navigate the complexities of the new trade landscape.

https://www.livemint.com/economy/global-trade-policies-us-india-trade-donald-trump-world-trade-organisation-bilateral-talks-protectionist-trade-policies-11743253593050.html

March 31, 2025

Iran Condemns Trump's Threats as 'Aggressive'

Iran's UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani has condemned US President Trump's remarks as a threat to Iran, warning of a "swift and decisive" response if any aggression is carried out. Iranian military officials, including General Amirali Hajizadeh, have issued direct threats against US assets in the region, citing at least 10 US bases and 50,000 troops present in the area.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/597957-iran-warns-of-no-choice-but-to-acquire-nukes-if-attacked-says-khamenei-adviser

March 31, 2025

Israeli Troops Kill Hamas Fighters in Ambulance Attack

The Israeli military has concluded an inquiry into a March 23 incident where troops opened fire on ambulances and fire trucks approaching without coordination or signals, killing several Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters. The site of the bodies was described as a "mass grave" marked with emergency lights from a crushed ambulance. A UN spokesperson stated that the burial site resembled a large mound of sand created by machinery, not an explosion. This incident is the deadliest attack on Red Cross or Red Crescent workers since 2017.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2025/04/01/bodies-of-15-rescue-workers-recovered-from-grave-in-gaza-un-officials-say

March 31, 2025

Jaishankar Meets Veldkamp in New Delhi Talks

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp in New Delhi on April 1, discussing growing bilateral cooperation in trade, investments, innovation, and water, as well as new possibilities in semiconductors.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/eam-jaishankar-meets-netherlands-fm-caspar-veldkamp-discusses-new-possibilities-in-semiconductors/

March 31, 2025

Kumamoto Chancellor Warns Against Nuclear Deterrence

A recent forum hosted by Takashi Shiraishi, chancellor of the Prefectural University of Kumamoto, highlighted concerns that nuclear deterrence is not an effective or sustainable form of security. The International Group of Eminent Persons for a World without Nuclear Weapons emphasized the need to prioritize disarmament and alternative solutions to ensure global peace.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250401/p2g/00m/0in/011000c