The National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding national security and sovereignty in response to any unwarranted action by India. The committee, chaired by MNA Fatehullah Khan, condemned the recent loss of lives in Pahalgam and expressed deep sorrow for the deceased. It also warned that India's hostile measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and withdrawing diplomats, could escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The committee recommended passing "The Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2024", which aims to update the Navy Act in line with recent legislation for the Army and Air Force.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40359437/any-unwarranted-action-by-india-will-attract-appropriate-response-na-bodyBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Energy Minister Ed Miliband urged international cooperation to improve energy security, warning that countries vulnerable to supply disruptions due to weaponization. The call came after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 drove up global prices and led the EU to reduce its reliance on Russian fuels. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, which will be published within two weeks.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40359410/collaborate-on-energy-security-or-be-vulnerable-britain-tells-global-meetingUS President Donald Trump's tariffs have sent shockwaves through global markets and eroded growth, with finance chiefs expressing concern over the impact on free-trade orthodoxy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the US levies on China as a "trade embargo" between the world's two largest economies. The move has sparked uncertainty among investors and business leaders, who are watching closely for any signs of a potential agreement to cut or roll back the tariffs.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/securities-law/trumps-trade-whiplash-sinks-world-into-dreaded-uncertaintyThe US is set to offer Saudi Arabia an arms package worth over $100 billion during President Trump's visit in May, following a proposal by the Biden administration that was unsuccessful. The package includes advanced US weaponry in exchange for halting Chinese arms purchases and restricting Beijing's investment in the country. Lockheed Martin Corp and RTX Corp are expected to play significant roles in supplying missiles, radars, and other systems, with Boeing Co, Northrop Grumman Corp, and General Atomics also involved. The deal comes after Saudi Arabia plans $600 billion in new US investment over four years, and amid efforts to strengthen the defense relationship between the two countries.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40359489/trump-poised-to-offer-saudi-arabia-over-100-billion-arms-package-sources-sayChinese President Xi Jinping is seeking a detente with Europe amid tensions caused by US President Donald Trump's tariffs, which have alienated the European Union. The EU has imposed retaliatory measures against the US in response to Trump's trade policies. China and the EU are exploring ways to improve their economic ties and reduce trade tensions.
https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/xi-seeks-detente-with-europe-as-trump-s-tariffs-alienate-bloc-11745536527537.htmlIndonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono will lead the country's first official BRICS meeting, focusing on global and regional issues such as politics and security, global governance reform, and the role of the Global South in multilateralism. He plans to advocate for a stable international order and more inclusive frameworks for addressing contemporary challenges. The meeting will also discuss preparations for the July 6-7 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, with key documents currently being drafted by member states including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Indonesia.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/352853/indonesia-to-join-brics-fm-meeting-as-member?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_newsKenya is seeking to revive US trade talks, led by US Trade Representative ambassador Jamieson Greer, amid a push for the removal of 10% tariffs imposed by President Trump. The move comes as a coalition of 12 US states, including New York State, led by Governor Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, sue the Trump administration over the tariffs.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/world/2025-04-25-china-defends-global-trade-system-amid-us-tariff-tensions-says-ambassadorMalaysia has expressed openness to negotiate with the US on four key areas, including reducing trade deficits, addressing non-tariff barriers, strengthening technological safeguards and security, and exploring a potential bilateral trade agreement. Investment Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz led a delegation to meet with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington DC. Malaysia views the recent 90-day pause on proposed tariff measures as an opportunity for constructive engagement, and has stated it will not take retaliatory action against the US. The country values its strategic economic partnership with the US, which has delivered benefits to businesses and workers over the years, including a downward trend in the US trade deficit.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/25/miti-malaysia-open-to-us-negotiation-on-tariffs-trade-deal-and-tech-safeguards-as-tengku-zafrul-leads-talks-in-washington/174424India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan following the attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah present, deciding to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan abjures support for cross-border terrorism. India has declared Pakistani officials non-grata, ordered them to leave within a week, cancelled visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, and suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals. The government also revoked existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals, effective April 27, 2025. Opposition parties have shown unanimous support to the government's actions, with leaders from various parties attending an all-party meeting.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lucknow-shahi-imam-backs-centres-countermeasures-against-pakistan-8252308