The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration's practice of deporting refugees to third countries without a "meaningful opportunity" for legal relief is likely unlawful. The decision, made by Judge Murphy, requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide individuals with a chance to seek protection before being sent abroad. This ruling aims to prevent deportations that could lead to persecution or torture in the home country.
https://indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/donald-trump-new-policy-speed-deportations-cannot-be-implemented-us-judge-rules-2711221-2025-04-18US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the public release of previously classified records related to the assassinations of former President John F Kennedy, Senator Robert F Kennedy, and Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr., following President Donald Trump's commitment to maximum transparency.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/us-tulsi-gabbard-announces-public-release-of-jfk-rfk-assassination-files/US Vice President JD Vance met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome for a second day of talks on tariffs, as the White House suggested considering a broader summit between the US and Europe when President Donald Trump visits the continent. Meloni positioned herself as a bridge between the Trump administration and Europe, having been the only EU leader to attend Trump's inauguration. The two discussed trade and migration issues, with Vance reiterating the importance of Italy as a key partner for the US in Europe. Trump had previously paused tariffs on imports from the EU due to market panic, but Meloni's support for Ukraine has created tension between the two countries. Vance also met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, where he discussed Russia-Ukraine negotiations and reaffirmed his commitment to defending his views despite criticism from the Pope.
https://apnews.com/article/italia-eeuu-vaticano-vance-meloni-trump-c36f7ac6fc4a3ac86f3583e45f14e96dThe Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary expressed appreciation for the country's leadership vision and hoped the SAARC process would remain free from bilateral political considerations. The meeting also focused on resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, as well as condemning Israeli aggression in Gaza. Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Advisor Touhid Hossain discussed regional integration and economic linkages with the Foreign Secretary. A commitment to a forward-looking partnership was established, with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expected to visit at the end of April.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1302652-pakistan-bangladesh-seek-enhanced-regional-connectivityThe US has imposed fees on Chinese-built vessels following an investigation by the Biden administration's trade representative, deeming China's actions as unreasonable and restrictive to US commerce.
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/business/money-report/trump-administration-announces-fees-on-chinese-ships-docking-at-u-s-ports/3546701/IMF Managing Director Georgieva warns that the US's aggressive trade policies, including tariffs on China totaling 145%, may accelerate and lead to bilateral and plurilateral agreements in regions like southeast Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. She notes that while the IMF is working with wealthier emerging market economies like those in GCC countries to step up their contributions, every penny matters in an international response, as it's more efficient when used effectively.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/countries-must-make-the-best-of-new-multipolar-world-imf-chief/article_3563fe5f-f58f-51c8-acf2-15cf673a9547.htmlIndonesia's delegation team is optimistic about reaching a formal agreement with the US within the next 60 days, following meetings with US Trade Representative Howard William Lutnick and Jamieson Greer. Foreign Minister Sugiono has also discussed tariffs and defense with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks aim to address follow-up actions on previous negotiation letters and come after President Donald Trump postponed a planned 32% tariff on Indonesian imports for 90 days to facilitate negotiations.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1998141/indonesia-and-u-s-set-60-day-deadline-to-finalize-import-tariff-negotiationsJapan's diplomatic consistency and pacifist stance have solidified its position as Southeast Asia's most trusted major power, according to a survey by Singapore's ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute. The survey found that trust in Japan increased from 58.9% last year to 66.8% this year, surpassing other major powers like the US and China. This increase is attributed to Japan's consistent foreign policy approach, which has been particularly notable during times of global uncertainty such as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine and the rising tensions between the US and China.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3306892/stabiliser-why-japan-most-trusted-power-southeast-asia?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff joined Ukrainian and European officials for talks at the French presidential palace, with French President Emmanuel Macron describing the discussions as an "important convergence." The meetings aimed to secure a durable peace in Ukraine, with Rubio conveying a message that the U.S. wants to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Senior U.S. officials had previously excluded Europeans from ceasefire negotiations, but experts say European input is crucial for a lasting peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed desire for security guarantees and discussed a full and partial ceasefire, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to accept a comprehensive ceasefire. The talks in Paris were followed by similar discussions in London next week, with around 30 countries discussing a possible coalition to police any future peace agreement with Russia.
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-rubio-witkoff-coalition-paris-74e93e2943687a7d8c7b23608919459a