International Relations NewsFeed

Palantir Sells Tech for Israeli Military Killings

A report by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese suggests that Palantir has provided automated predictive policing technology for the Israeli military, potentially enabling targeted killings and other human rights abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories. The report also accuses several companies, including Caterpillar, Leonardo's Rada Electronic Industries, and Volvo Group, of providing heavy machinery used for home demolitions and construction of illegal Jewish settlements. Additionally, Booking.com and Airbnb are cited for aiding the occupation by listing properties and hotel rooms in Israeli-occupied territories. The report claims that these companies profit from Israel's expansion into Palestinian land, which it characterizes as "colonial racial capitalism." It asserts that foreign arms companies have become a lucrative venture since October 2023, with Israel's military spending increasing by 65% to $46.5 billion.

https://en.tempo.co/read/2024609/list-of-companies-complicit-in-israels-genocide-in-palestine-un-report

Prabowo, MBS Seal Bilateral Cooperation Pact

President Prabowo Subianto and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held bilateral talks in Jakarta, discussing hajj accommodations and Taibah Airport utilization. The two leaders agreed to establish a Supreme Coordination Council for strategic cooperation between the two countries. Indonesia expressed hope that Crown Prince Mohammed would expedite the finalization of a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council. Prabowo and MBS previously signed agreements worth US$27 billion, including several MoUs between business entities of the two countries.

https://en.tempo.co/read/2024452/prabowo-eyes-future-use-of-saudi-arabias-taibah-airport-for-hajj-departures

Russia's Chemical Munition Use Exceeds Geneva Limits

The Ukrainian army's general staff has reported that Russia has not used deadly chemical weapons in hostilities, but their use of munitions with hazardous chemicals still violates the Geneva Conventions. Ukraine has informed the OPCW about 9,700 documented cases of Russian troops using such munitions between February 2023 and June 2025.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/983640-over-9000-chemical-weapons-used-in-ukraine

Sitharaman Seeks MDB Help for Global South Challenges

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged the MDB (Multilateral Development Bank) to play a stronger role in addressing the challenges faced by countries in the Global South, including climate change, fiscal constraints, and geopolitical tensions. The call comes as the global community grapples with increasing economic and environmental pressures.

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/sitharaman-urges-stronger-mdb-role-as-global-south-faces-climate-fiscal-and-geopolitical-shocks-11751638826580.html

US Aircraft Carrier Visits Philippines Amid China Tensions

The US has reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines through the port call of its aircraft carrier, USS George Washington, in the South China Sea. The move comes as China deploys two carriers for military drills in the Western Pacific. The ship's commanding officer, Captain Timothy Waits, emphasized the US focus on a free and open Indo-Pacific, while observers warn that Beijing may view this as a containment effort, potentially escalating its naval activity in the disputed waters.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3316925/south-china-sea-us-aircraft-carrier-marks-american-commitment-also-crowded-region?module=top_story&pgtype=section

US Supports Philippines on Maritime Sovereignty Dispute

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson reaffirmed the US support for the Philippines' stance on maritime sovereignty and the rule of law, while China continues to reject the ruling. The two nations are engaged in ongoing trade negotiations, with a deadline to suspend country-specific tariffs set for July 9. Manila is seeking an extension of the provisional 10-percent rate, as Carlson emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial trade between the two countries.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/05/news/national/us-reaffirms-support-for-2016-arbitral-ruling/2143910

Modi Performs Bhojpuri Chautaal in Trinidad Arrival

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago was marked by a traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal performance upon his arrival, which he shared on his X account. During his visit, PM Modi met with members of the Indian community in Port of Spain, praising their contributions to the country's development. He also met with winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz, including Shankar Ramjattan, Nicholas Maraj, and Vince Mahato. The visit was at the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who received PM Modi along with 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/watch-pm-modi-welcomed-with-bhojpuri-chautaal-at-trinidad-and-tobago-8822158

Prabowo Subianto, Saudi Crown Prince Sign $27 Billion Deals

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have signed agreements worth around $27 billion in various fields, including clean energy, petrochemicals, and aviation fuel services. They aim to strengthen strategic cooperation in health, focusing on Hajj and Umrah requirements, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and human resource development. The two leaders also emphasized partnerships in the digital economy, justice system, employment, culture, tourism, education, scientific research, industry, mining, agriculture, fisheries, defense, security, cybersecurity, and multilateral forums like the IMF, World Bank, OIC, G20, and Non-Aligned Movement.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/363657/indonesia-saudi-arabia-agree-on-27-billion-dollars-investment?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_right

ECO Summit to Boost Regional Cooperation in Baku

The 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit will be held in Azerbaijan, hosted by President İlham Aliyev, with Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance. The event aims to promote sustainable development and resilience against climate change, with a focus on trade, economy, and defense industry cooperation among member states including Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The summit features an ECO week with various thematic forums, including a youth forum in Aghdam, a women's forum in Lachin, and a business forum in Fuzuli, all aimed at advancing regional cooperation and development.

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-attends-eco-summit-in-azerbaijan-211103