The Pakistani People's Party (PPP) chief criticized India's government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for its response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. Pakistan suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and revoked visas of Pakistanis, while expelling Indian diplomats and military advisers. In response, Islamabad closed its border crossing with India and denied involvement in the attack. The PPP chief vowed to confront Modi's government, stating it is not a peaceful country, and emphasized the need to protect the Indus River.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/602721-bilawal-challenges-modi-govt-to-substantiate-allegations-against-pakistanThe EU's €150 billion defence fund has strict rules on where arms can be purchased from, with initial fears that British defence firms like BAE systems or Babcock International would be excluded due to French pressure. However, a new UK-EU defence and security partnership, expected to be unveiled at a London summit, will allow UK firms to participate in the EU fund after Labour agreed to French demands on post-Brexit fishing rights. The partnership will require a separate negotiation and conditions, including a UK financial contribution, as confirmed by the European Commission.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14668151/Britain-pay-fee-firms-bid-EU-defence-contracts-150bn-fund-France-demands-restrictions.htmlRussia launched a barrage of 170 drones targeting cities in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, and Kropyvnytsky, as well as regions Kharkiv and Cherkasy. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Moscow is ignoring US calls for an unconditional ceasefire. In response to the attack on Odesa, two people were killed and five injured. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a surprise three-day truce from May 8-10, coinciding with World War II Victory Day celebrations in Russia. The Ukrainian emergency service described the attack as "massive", damaging high-rise buildings, private houses, and cars.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360512/zelenskyy-urges-pressure-on-russia-after-strike-on-odesa-kills-twoChina has created a list of US-made products exempt from its retaliatory 125% tariffs, including select pharmaceuticals, microchips, and jet engines. The move aims to ease the impact of the duties. Bessent mentioned that high tariffs on both sides need to be de-escalated for negotiations to begin.
https://www.tbsnews.net/world/us-wants-start-tariff-talks-china-state-media-says-1131261China's efforts to win over Global South economies may be complicated by India's trade deal with the US and its conflict with Pakistan. Analysts say China had been strengthening ties with India, but a thaw in relations could be hindered by these issues. India has recently signed an economic deal with the US, which may add complexity to its relationship with China.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3308500/how-trump-deal-pakistan-could-derail-indias-warming-china-ties?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionPakistani forces have conducted military exercises as a response to India's actions following an April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists. The exercises involve various units of the Pakistan Army using modern weapons in live-fire drills. In retaliation for the Indian suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing, Islamabad has ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelled visas for Indian nationals, and closed its main border crossing.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/602658-pakistan-army-conducts-large-scale-drills-amid-tensions-with-indiaA global summit emphasized the need for developing nations to actively participate in the global economy, with leaders calling for courageous decisions on a shared green future. Dr Malik met with Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Qatar's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation on environmental issues such as clean energy and wildlife protection.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/602715-pakistan-calls-for-global-cooperation-to-achieve-green-economy-at-geneva-summitUS Senator Marco Rubio spoke separately with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express support for India in combating extremism and urge Pakistan's cooperation in investigating the Kashmir attack. The calls, made on Wednesday, are the highest levels of publicly known simultaneous diplomatic engagements from Washington aimed at reducing India-Pakistan tensions since the April 22 attack. Rubio condemned the attack as "terror" and urged Pakistani officials to cooperate in the investigation, while Sharif asked Rubio to urge India to dial down its rhetoric.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/us-urges-india-and-pakistan-work-each-other-reduce-tensions-5101461US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce has urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and cooperate against terrorism. In a conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif, Rubio emphasized the need to condemn the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and investigate it jointly. He also encouraged Pakistan to work with India to reduce tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace in South Asia.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/pahalgam-rubio-dials-jaishankar-and-shehbaz-sharif-tells-pakistan-to-condemn-terror-attack-13884517.html