India and the United States have firmed up a framework for cooperation to ensure steady supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements. This initiative, launched on the sidelines of the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting, aims to deepen collaboration across the supply chain, including mining, processing, recycling, and investments. It seeks to strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, addressing growing concerns over China's export controls. A separate Quad framework also mobilizes around $20 billion in support for critical mineral supply chains. The US is mobilizing over $30 billion in resources to secure critical supply chains, highlighting a shared strategic priority.
- India and the U.S. have established a framework for cooperation on critical minerals and rare earth elements.
- The initiative aims to secure and diversify supply chains, reducing dependence on countries like China.
- The Quad nations have also signed a separate framework to mobilize significant financial support for critical mineral supply chains.
India's Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda reviewed the country's preparedness and surveillance measures against the Ebola virus outbreak in Africa, expressing concern about its potential global spread. The Health Ministry confirmed that India has not reported any cases of Bundibugyo Ebola disease and is actively monitoring the situation, collaborating with the National Centre for Disease Control and other agencies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued directives for airlines, mandating passengers from affected regions to fill out health forms, and implementing segregated seating and personal protective equipment for suspected cases, alongside mask distribution for nearby passengers.
- India's Health Ministry is closely monitoring the Ebola virus situation in Africa and has strengthened national surveillance and preparedness.
- No cases of Bundibugyo Ebola disease have been reported in India to date.
- The DGCA has issued specific directives for airlines regarding passengers traveling from or transiting through Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The article highlights the progress and challenges in the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (CECTA/ECTA). It notes that while India has achieved 90% tariff-free trade, significant non-tariff barriers and issues in specific sectors like agriculture, education, and critical minerals persist. The article emphasizes the need for deeper engagement, addressing regulatory hurdles, and fostering trust to unlock the full potential of the bilateral relationship. It suggests that both countries need to move beyond traditional trade to collaborate on strategic areas like clean energy, education, and critical minerals, ensuring a more robust and mutually beneficial partnership.
- The India-Australia CECTA has significantly boosted trade, with India achieving nearly 90% tariff-free trade.
- Despite progress, non-tariff barriers and regulatory hurdles continue to impede deeper economic integration.
- Key sectors for cooperation include clean energy, education, critical minerals, and agriculture.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resulted in 204 deaths from 867 suspected cases across three provinces, with one death also reported in Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international emergency. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned that ten other African countries are at risk, including Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia, highlighting the need for regional preparedness and response.
- The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has caused over 200 deaths.
- The World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international emergency.
- One death was also reported in Uganda, indicating cross-border spread.
China launched its Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) initiative on December 18, 2025, aiming to transform the tropical island into a global business hub with zero tariffs, low personal taxes, and simplified trade flows. The initiative, unveiled in June 2020, implements "freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line, and free flow within the island," removing tariff barriers for easier imports. This has attracted numerous foreign-invested enterprises, expanded tariff-free product categories, and boosted tourism through visa-free entry for 86 countries and duty-free shopping, positioning Hainan as a "new frontier of opening up" and a competitor to Hong Kong.
- China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) initiative was officially launched on December 18, 2025.
- The FTP aims to create an economic hub with zero tariffs, low personal taxes, and simplified trade and data flows.
- It involves island-wide special customs operations, removing tariff barriers for goods entering the island.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi asserted the Quad's continued relevance as a "vital framework" for countries sharing fundamental values and strategic interests, despite concerns about its diminishing importance. He indicated that cooperation on critical minerals for green energy and high technology would be a top agenda item for the upcoming Quadrilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi. The meeting is expected to address conflicts in West Asia, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and U.S. President Trump's visit to China, while also setting the agenda for the Quad Summit.
- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized the Quad's importance as a "vital framework" for shared values and strategic interests.
- Critical minerals cooperation for green energy and high technology is a key agenda item for the Quad meeting.
- The Quad meeting will discuss regional and global situations, including West Asia conflicts and the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for safe and unimpeded maritime commerce, particularly in the context of disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio clarified that U.S. "tactical" relations with other countries would not undermine its strategic partnership with India. U.S. President Donald Trump also spoke via phone, calling PM Modi a "great friend" and assuring India of 100% U.S. support. Bilateral discussions included energy, bilateral trade, and visa issues for skilled Indian workers.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EAM S. Jaishankar highlighted the shared interest in ensuring safe and unimpeded maritime commerce.
- Rubio stated that U.S. tactical relations with other nations would not compromise its strategic alliance with India.
- The U.S. accused Iran of blocking the Strait of Hormuz and sponsoring proxy terror groups.
Senior U.S. and Iranian officials indicated they are nearing a breakthrough in talks to strike a draft deal, though caution remains regarding ending the conflict in West Asia. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed progress, stating the two sides were 'getting a lot closer' to an agreement. Concurrently, Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to bolster mediation efforts, meeting Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing further escalation. The situation is considered sensitive, with speculation fueled by Trump's decision to skip his son's wedding due to 'government circumstances.'
- U.S. and Iranian officials are reportedly close to a breakthrough in talks for a draft deal.
- Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, visited Tehran to mediate and prevent further escalation in West Asia.
- U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged significant progress in the negotiations.
The Trump administration announced a significant policy change requiring non-immigrants seeking Green Cards to apply from their home countries, reversing a decades-long practice. Previously, individuals with legal status in the U.S., including those married to citizens or on work/student visas, could complete the entire permanent residency process domestically. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) framed this as a return to the 'original intent of the law' and closing a 'loophole,' aiming to reduce the number of people gaining permanent residency. The effective date and impact on ongoing applications remain unclear.
- The U.S. government has mandated that Green Card seekers must now apply from their home countries.
- This policy reverses a long-standing practice that allowed non-immigrants to complete the process while in the U.S.
- The change affects various categories, including individuals married to U.S. citizens and those on work or student visas.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that India plays a crucial role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific policy during his visit to New Delhi. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and extended an invitation for Modi to visit Washington later this year. Rubio's four-day trip includes bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and attendance at the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He emphasized that one of his missions was to 'renew' Quad engagement, crediting Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump as key drivers of the India-U.S. engagement.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted India's significant role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific policy.
- Rubio met PM Narendra Modi and invited him to Washington later this year.
- His visit aims to renew Quad engagement and strengthen India-U.S. ties.
India and Cyprus have elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing "respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," interpreted as support for Cyprus regarding Northern Cyprus. The two nations also signed a roadmap for defence cooperation, with Cyprus interested in buying Indian defence items. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides presented Cyprus as an entry point for India's wider relationship with the EU. Discussions included Cyprus providing transhipment facilities for global traffic affected by the U.S.-Israel war and energizing the IMEEC project, aiming to restructure eastern Mediterranean security.
- India and Cyprus have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.
- A roadmap for defence cooperation was signed, with Cyprus showing interest in Indian defence products.
- India's stance on "sovereignty and territorial integrity" is seen as support for Cyprus concerning Northern Cyprus.
Recent conflicts highlight a shift towards cyber operations alongside conventional military action, raising questions about legal accountability. While international law principles like the prohibition on the use of force (UN Charter Article 2(4)) and state responsibility apply to cyberspace, establishing the threshold for an internationally wrongful act is difficult. Key challenges include attribution, as cyber operations are secretive and routed through multiple networks, making legal proof difficult. The lack of appropriate forums, states' avoidance of litigation to prevent escalation, and complex evidence further hinder accountability, leading to a growing mismatch between frequent cyber incidents and rare legal consequences. India needs to actively shape cyber norms given its reliance on digital infrastructure.
- Cyber operations are increasingly integrated with conventional military action, posing challenges for international legal frameworks.
- Establishing the threshold for what constitutes an internationally wrongful act in cyberspace is a major difficulty.
- Attribution of cyber attacks to specific states is complex due to their secretive nature and routing through multiple jurisdictions.
India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution urging countries to comply with climate change obligations. India expressed concern that the draft resolution "undermines" the "sacrosanct architecture" of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Despite constructive engagement in negotiations, India's concerns were not addressed. The resolution was adopted with 141 votes in favour, eight against, and 28 abstentions. India clarified that the adoption of the resolution by the General Assembly does not create binding commitments for it. The resolution welcomed the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on states' climate change obligations.
- India abstained from a UNGA resolution on climate change obligations due to concerns it undermined the UNFCCC architecture.
- India engaged in negotiations but felt its concerns were not adequately addressed in the final draft.
- The resolution was adopted by the UNGA with a significant majority, but India stated it does not create binding commitments for it.
The article discusses the World Press Freedom Index, which ranked India 157th, and questions the reliability of such international rankings as precise judgments, while acknowledging their utility for identifying broad patterns. It highlights that Norway, ranked first, has a largely homogenous society where the media doesn't need to contest the state, unlike India's diverse and politically contested environment. The author points out the index's methodology doesn't consider the quality of journalism or racism, citing an example of a Norwegian newspaper's portrayal of PM Modi. While critics dismiss Western standards, they selectively celebrate other rankings. The article concludes that while the Indian media is under stress from market forces and state measures, the rankings are blunt instruments, useful for broad patterns but unreliable for precise judgments.
- International press freedom rankings, like the World Press Freedom Index, are useful for identifying broad patterns but are not precise judgments.
- India's ranking (157th) is contrasted with Norway's (1st), highlighting differences in societal homogeneity and media-state relations.
- The index's methodology is criticized for not accounting for journalistic quality or racial biases.
India has postponed the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), originally scheduled from May 28 to 31 in New Delhi, due to the evolving Ebola public health emergency in Africa. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the African Union (AU) jointly announced the decision, emphasizing consultations regarding the health situation. This is not the first time; the third IAFS in 2014 was also postponed due to an Ebola outbreak. India has expressed solidarity and pledged support to African governments, adopting an "Africa-led" approach. The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit, planned concurrently, has also been deferred. India has issued a health advisory for travelers from high-risk Ebola-affected countries.
- India postponed the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit and the International Big Cat Alliance Summit due to the Ebola crisis in Africa.
- The decision was made after consultations between the MEA and the African Union, citing the evolving health situation.
- India has pledged support to African nations in dealing with the crisis, adopting an 'Africa-led' approach.
The Indian rupee depreciated by 16 paise to close at a fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against the U.S. dollar. This fall was primarily driven by elevated global crude prices and inflation worries stemming from the West Asia crisis. The rupee opened at 96.89, touched a record low of 96.95, and settled at 96.86. The previous session saw a 50 paise tumble. Factors contributing to the rupee's weakness include a strong dollar and surging U.S. treasury yields, with 30-year yields rising to a two-decade high and 10-year yields to a 16-month high, leading to global market sell-offs.
- The Indian rupee hit a fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against the U.S. dollar.
- Elevated global crude prices and the West Asia crisis are stoking inflation worries, contributing to the depreciation.
- A strong U.S. dollar and surging U.S. treasury yields are also major factors.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held comprehensive bilateral discussions with South Korea's Minister of National Defence Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul. Both sides agreed to expand defence cooperation across various sectors including industry, maritime security, emerging technologies, logistics, and military exchanges. Several MoUs were signed to deepen cooperation in defence, cybersecurity, and training exchanges, further broadening the India-South Korea strategic partnership. Two significant MoUs focused on future-oriented projects like self-propelled air defence systems and directed energy weapon systems, with a strong 'Make in India' focus, reflecting growing convergence in strategic visions.
- India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited South Korea for bilateral defence talks.
- Both nations agreed to expand cooperation in defence industry, maritime security, and emerging technologies.
- MoUs were signed for defence, cybersecurity, and training exchanges, enhancing the strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni elevated India-Italy relations to a "Special Strategic Partnership" during Modi's multi-nation Europe trip. Both leaders reiterated the call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Key outcomes include a "Defence Industrial Road Map," an MoU on cooperation in critical minerals, and an agreement for agricultural research. The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, defence, clean energy, and mobility of skilled workers. They also agreed to work on trilateral initiatives with African partners in areas like DPI, agriculture, and healthcare.
- India and Italy have upgraded their bilateral ties to a "Special Strategic Partnership."
- A "Defence Industrial Road Map" and an MoU on critical minerals were signed.
- Cooperation will be enhanced in trade, technology, defence, clean energy, and mobility of skilled workers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni jointly outlined an expanded roadmap for India-Italy cooperation, envisioning a strategic partnership grounded in shared democratic values. The focus is on an emerging "Indo-Mediterranean" corridor for trade, technology, energy, and data, connecting the Indian Ocean to Europe. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is highlighted as a key initiative to connect these regions through modern transport and digital networks. Both nations aim to exceed a €20-billion bilateral trade target by 2029, with key sectors for cooperation including defence, aerospace, clean technologies, machinery, automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agri-food tourism.
- India and Italy have outlined an expanded roadmap for a strategic partnership, emphasizing shared values of freedom and democracy.
- The partnership focuses on an emerging "Indo-Mediterranean" corridor, facilitating trade, technology, energy, and data flow between the Indian Ocean and Europe.
- The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a crucial initiative to connect these regions via modern infrastructure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, specifically involving the uncommon Bundibugyo strain. This strain's efficacy against standard countermeasures like vaccines is currently untested. The outbreak, notified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, is concerning due to ongoing conflict, displacement, and potential for undetected spread. WHO's early alert aims to solicit global cooperation for effective patient and contact tracing, intensive support, safe burials, vaccinations (if effective), and social mobilization to control the disease, which has a 25-50% fatality rate.
- WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, involving the uncommon Bundibugyo strain.
- The efficacy of existing vaccines and therapies against the Bundibugyo strain is currently unknown, raising concerns.
- The outbreak is concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, with risks of wider spread due to regional conflict and displacement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking after the Third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, highlighted the commitment of India and Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) to democracy, rule of law, and multilateralism. The summit aimed to upgrade ties to a 'Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership', focusing on sustainable energy, maritime cooperation, and polar research in the Arctic. Leaders also discussed deepening engagement to address global challenges, with all five Nordic leaders backing India's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and Nuclear Suppliers Group membership. Trade relations and the India-EU Free Trade Agreement were also key discussion points.
- The Third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo saw India and five Nordic countries commit to a 'Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership'.
- Key areas of cooperation include sustainable energy, maritime cooperation, and polar research in the Arctic region.
- The leaders emphasized shared values of democracy, rule of law, and multilateralism as foundations for their natural partnership.
The WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, driven by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain. This highest global health alert signifies a serious, sudden, unexpected, or unusual event posing an international risk. The outbreak has caused confirmed and suspected cases and deaths, with cases reported in Ituri Province (DRC) and Kampala (Uganda). Ebola, a zoonotic disease, spreads through bodily fluids. The response focuses on rapid isolation, intensive supportive care, case/contact tracing, safe burials, infection control, and deploying approved vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, alongside social mobilization campaigns to build trust.
- The WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda.
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain, a severe and often fatal zoonotic disease.
- PHEIC signifies a serious health event with international spread potential, requiring a coordinated global response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce spending on petroleum products, edible oils, gold, and foreign travel, signaling concern over India's rising import dependence and its impact on foreign exchange reserves and the rupee. India's merchandise trade deficit hit a record $333 billion in 2025-26, driven by increased imports of gold, edible oils, fertilizers, and electronic components. The situation is exacerbated by higher crude oil prices and the government's failure to boost domestic production in key sectors like oilseeds. The RBI is intervening to prevent a rupee free-fall, but declining reserves limit its options, highlighting a critical economic vulnerability.
- Prime Minister Modi's appeal to reduce non-essential spending highlights India's growing concern over its import bill and foreign currency reserves.
- India's merchandise trade deficit reached a record $333 billion in 2025-26, primarily due to increased imports of gold, edible oils, fertilizers, and electronic components.
- The country's heavy dependence on imported crude oil, exacerbated by global price hikes, poses a significant threat to economic stability.
Russia launched extensive missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities Odesa and Dnipro, damaging residential buildings and injuring dozens. Ukrainian officials reported 524 drones and 22 missiles were launched by Russia. Concurrently, Ukraine targeted Russian cities like Belgorod and Rostov with drones, causing two deaths and injuries in Belgorod. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for reliable protection against ballistic missiles. Russian drones also hit three foreign-flagged ships in the Black Sea heading to Odesa ports, including a Chinese-owned vessel, escalating maritime tensions.
- Russia conducted widespread missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities Odesa and Dnipro, causing significant damage and casualties.
- Ukraine retaliated with drone attacks on Russian cities, including Belgorod and Rostov, resulting in deaths and injuries.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted the urgent need for robust air defense against ballistic missiles.