The German government is open to punitive measures against US tech giants, including charging fees on PayPal and Google, if negotiations with the US fail. European lawmakers are exploring options to counter US tariffs, which have significant implications for Germany's car industry, particularly Volkswagen, which relies heavily on a Mexican supply base. EU officials aim to ease tensions with the US and prevent a trade war, but senior lawmaker Bernd Lange suggests that digital service providers could be targeted if agreements cannot be reached.
https://channelnewsasia.com/business/berlin-measures-against-us-tech-giants-nothing-table-5030351US Vice President Kamala Harris' husband, Colin Vance, is set to visit a US Space Force outpost in Greenland on Friday, March 28, 2025. The trip was scaled back after protests from Greenlanders and Danes who were upset about the original itinerary not being discussed with them. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had expressed concerns that the visit would create "unacceptable pressure" on the country. The revised one-day visit aims to reduce diplomatic taboos and avoid potential confrontations with residents who oppose US President Donald Trump's plans for US control of Greenland, a traditional ally and NATO member.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/vice-president-vance-his-wife-to-tour-us-military-post-in-greenland-after-diplomatic-spat-over-uninvited-visit/article69384805.eceIndia is expanding its military engagements and security consultations with the Quad, a grouping of like-minded nations including Australia, Japan, and the US, amid continuing tensions with China. India supported AUKUS at the International Atomic Energy Agency's general conference, despite Russian and Chinese opposition. The country is also seeking to deepen its maritime security partnership with Australia through the "Shared Vision" initiative. However, the future of AUKUS remains uncertain under the Trump administration, which could pose a crisis for the alliance.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/03/india-and-australia-discuss-ways-to-increase-already-close-defense-cooperation/Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect talks with the US over a nuclear deal can continue, and that an official response to a US request to restart negotiations had been sent through Oman. The US has expressed interest in restarting negotiations after President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iranian leadership this month. Iran's policy is not to negotiate under "maximum pressure and military threats", but indirect talks have happened in the past, including during Hassan Rouhani's government and Ebrahim Raisi's government.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/03/27/irans-foreign-minister-says-indirect-talks-with-us-over-nuclear-deal-can-continue/Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has criticized Pakistan's lack of action to protect its minorities, calling it a country with "human rights abuses, persecution of minorities and the systematic erosion of democratic values." He also mentioned that India closely follows the situation in Bangladesh, citing 2,400 incidents of violence against minorities in 2024 and 72 incidents so far in 2025. Jaishankar has taken up these issues with his counterpart Touhid Hossain and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, but sidestepped discussing them with some Bharatiya Janata Party MPs. The US Commission for International Religious Freedom has recommended Pakistan be designated a "Country of Particular Concern" due to violent attacks and false blasphemy cases against minorities, while criticizing India's own treatment of religious minorities during the 2024 election campaign.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/even-indira-couldnt-change-pakistans-bigoted-mindset-jaishankar/article69386801.eceJapan's Ministry of Defense emphasizes building organic, multi-layered networks with like-minded countries to address its complex security environment since World War II. The ministry highlights the importance of regional cooperation with Australia, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, and India in achieving a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific". General Romeo S. Brawner mentioned that Squad nations aim to include India and South Korea in their grouping to counter China, following escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355132/japan-backs-close-security-ties-with-india-south-korea-in-indo-pacificThe United Nations Security Council was briefed by U.N. special representative for Congo Bintou Keita on the "alarming situation" in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have installed an administration and are committing massive human rights violations, including summary executions, rapes, and forced recruitment of children. The conflict has displaced over 7 million people and threatens to expand into Tshopo and Maniema provinces, with M23's goal of reaching Kinshasa, the capital city 1,600 kilometers away. Keita called for a swift appointment of an African Union mediator to spearhead ceasefire efforts, as regional and international efforts have failed to bring about an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
https://africanews.com/2025/03/28/drc-rwanda-backed-rebels-could-seize-more-provinces-un-warns/US President Trump announced a 25% tariff on all non-US cars, prompting a response from Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who expressed concern over job losses and economic activity. Mexico plans to wait until early April for a reciprocal tariff plan before responding comprehensively. Sheinbaum has maintained optimism that tariffs can be avoided, as Trump has granted Mexico tariff relief twice in the past, which is set to expire in early April.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1295919-mexico-seeks-preferential-treatment-on-us-tariffsThe Foreign Office has dismissed a US Congress bill targeting Pakistan, calling it an individual act that doesn't represent the overall state of bilateral relations. Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan stated that the timing and context of the bill don't align with the current positive dynamics between the two countries. He emphasized Pakistan's commitment to democracy, rule of law, and human rights, and urged for a balanced perspective on issues like terrorism, which Pakistan has highlighted through shared dossiers with the UN. The FO also criticized recent statements by UN human rights experts, saying they risk legitimizing extremist narratives and undermine the rule of law.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355186/fo-rebukes-us-congress-bill