Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Bishkek, emphasized that terrorism remains the most serious threat to global peace. He called for a unified and consistent approach to eliminate terrorism, extremism, and radicalism, stressing that terrorism has no nationality or theology and cannot be justified. Singh highlighted the importance of credibility and rejecting double standards, particularly concerning state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. He also invoked the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) and called for an "orderly world" defined by peace and prosperity, urging SCO members to prioritize diplomacy over conflict.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh advocated for a unified and consistent approach by SCO members to combat terrorism, extremism, and radicalism.
- He asserted that terrorism is a global threat that cannot be justified under any circumstances and has no nationality.
- Singh stressed the need for SCO members to maintain consistency and reject double standards, especially regarding state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
The U.S. war on Iran has evolved into a "battle of wills" over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, characterized by naval blockades and stalled diplomacy. Iran has restricted traffic through the Strait since the US-Israel attacks on February 28, refusing to ease control until the US lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. Despite a ceasefire in Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes continue, and the US maintains its blockade, hoping economic pressure will force Iran to yield. The article advocates for a phased, reciprocal de-escalation: the US lifting its blockade and Iran reopening the Strait to commercial shipping, to reinforce the fragile ceasefire and build confidence for future talks.
- The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has intensified into a standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
- Iran has restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israel attacks, demanding the US lift its blockade of Iranian ports.
- Diplomatic efforts, mediated by Pakistan, have stalled, with Iran refusing further direct talks with Washington.
The UAE announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ group, effective May 1. This decision, driven by the UAE's long-term strategic and economic vision, aims to accelerate investment in domestic energy production and allow it to act responsibly by bringing additional production to market gradually, aligned with demand. The move follows years of the UAE pushing back against production quotas it felt were too low. The exit is not expected to have immediate market effects due to constrained oil supplies from the war in Iran, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz.
- The UAE is withdrawing from OPEC and OPEC+ to pursue its long-term strategic and economic vision, focusing on domestic energy production.
- The decision allows the UAE to increase oil production independently, addressing its past dissatisfaction with low OPEC quotas.
- The immediate market impact is expected to be minimal due to existing oil supply constraints from the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The 'all-weather friendship' between China and Pakistan is increasingly reflected in their deepening space cooperation, offering strategic advantages to Islamabad. China has been instrumental in launching numerous Pakistani satellites, including communication and remote-sensing satellites, and plans to send a Pakistani astronaut to its Tiangong space station by 2026. Pakistan also utilizes China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), which provides high-precision information crucial for disaster relief, urban planning, and environmental management. This dual-use space technology has significant defense implications, enhancing Pakistan's navigation and telecommunication capabilities.
- China and Pakistan have significantly deepened their space cooperation, reflecting their 'all-weather friendship' and providing strategic advantages to Pakistan.
- China has launched multiple Pakistani satellites, including communication and remote-sensing satellites, over the past two decades.
- A Pakistani astronaut is scheduled to visit China's Tiangong space station by 2026 as part of this collaboration.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, to lead the Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting. He is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with counterparts from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyz Republic, among others, to strengthen defence cooperation. During the meeting, Mr. Singh will reiterate India's commitment to global peace and stability, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism and extremism. The discussions will cover regional and global security challenges and efforts to enhance defence collaboration among SCO member states.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
- He is expected to hold bilateral discussions with defence ministers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyz Republic to enhance defence cooperation.
- India will reiterate its commitment to global peace and stability and its firm stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism and extremism.
Iran has proposed ending its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its blockade and ends the war, a proposal that would postpone discussions on Iran's nuclear program. The offer, conveyed via Pakistan, is unlikely to be accepted by U.S. President Donald Trump, as it leaves key disagreements unresolved. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Russia and met President Vladimir Putin, who praised Iran's fight for sovereignty. Iran also seeks Oman's support for a mechanism to collect tolls from vessels passing through the strait.
- Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its blockade and ends the ongoing conflict.
- The Iranian proposal aims to postpone discussions on its nuclear program and was conveyed to the U.S. via Pakistan.
- U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly unlikely to accept the offer, as it does not address underlying disagreements.
India and New Zealand have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), hailed as a historic step to deepen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. New Zealand will remove tariffs on all Indian goods, while India will reduce or remove tariffs on 95% of its current imports from New Zealand. The deal, announced in March 2025 and concluded in December 2025, is one of India's fastest negotiated FTAs. It also includes provisions for mobility of professionals and students, and a commitment from New Zealand to facilitate $20 billion in investments into India.
- India and New Zealand have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.
- New Zealand will eliminate tariffs on all goods imported from India, while India will reduce or remove tariffs on 95% of current imports from New Zealand.
- Key products excluded by India from tariff reductions include dairy, animal products (other than sheep meat), agricultural products, sugar, artificial honey, copper, and aluminium.
Sri Lanka is inviting Expressions of Interest from domestic and international investors to operate its loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) in Hambantota. The airport, built with a nearly $200-million Chinese loan under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been commercially unviable since its 2013 launch, accumulating a net loss of approximately $130 million. Despite previous interest from India and Russia for joint ventures, proposals did not materialize. The government aims to utilize the airport's resources, which currently handles no scheduled flights, only charter planes, highlighting the need for external investment to make it viable.
- Sri Lanka is seeking investors to operate its loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).
- The airport was built with a nearly $200-million loan from China.
- MRIA has accumulated a net loss of approximately $130 million since its launch in 2013.
Extended debates at the BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys meeting in New Delhi concluded without a joint statement, indicating challenges for India's BRICS Presidency. Disagreements arose over the West Asia war, with delegates from UAE and Iran clashing. Additionally, India reportedly attempted to 'tone down' language on Israel and Palestine, particularly regarding criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon and references to 'East Jerusalem' as the Palestinian capital, which was opposed by most other members. This sets a difficult stage for upcoming BRICS meetings, including the Foreign Ministers' meeting in May and the summit in September.
- BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi failed to produce a joint statement.
- Disagreements stemmed from the West Asia war and language used regarding Israel and Palestine.
- India reportedly sought to soften criticism of Israel's actions and remove references to 'East Jerusalem' as the Palestinian capital.
India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Monday. This agreement will remove tariffs on 100% of India's exports to New Zealand and significantly reduce or remove tariffs on 95% of current imports from New Zealand. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the pact as a defining moment in bilateral relations. The deal will provide immediate duty-free access for India on 100% of tariff lines, down from New Zealand's previous 10% tariff on about 450 Indian export items. India has managed to keep several sensitive items, including all dairy products, out of the FTA.
- India and New Zealand will sign an FTA on Monday.
- The FTA will eliminate tariffs on 100% of India's exports to New Zealand.
- Tariffs on 95% of current imports from New Zealand will be sharply reduced or removed.
This article analyzes the legal aspects of the U.S.-Iran conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, focusing on international waters, blockades, and interceptions. It explains that the seas are a shared global commons, with freedom of navigation upheld by UNCLOS. While the U.S. imposes sanctions as economic warfare, these are based on U.S. law, not international law, and are not authorized by the UN. Iran's actions, like detaining ships, are in retaliation to the U.S. blockade. The Strait of Hormuz is an international passage where 'transit' rights apply, allowing unhindered passage but with some restrictions on ship conduct. The IMO is working to resolve the issue, condemning Iran's attacks but not U.S. actions.
- The Strait of Hormuz conflict involves U.S. sanctions and Iranian retaliatory actions, raising questions about international maritime law.
- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes the seas as shared global commons, upholding freedom of navigation for merchant ships.
- U.S. sanctions, while a form of economic warfare, are based on U.S. domestic law and lack international authorization.
The U.S. sanctions waiver for India's involvement in Iran's Chabahar port project is ending, forcing India to choose between continuing its role and facing American sanctions. The U.S. Treasury Secretary confirmed no extension, citing the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and efforts to squeeze Iran's economy. India has been exploring options to minimize exposure, including withdrawing personnel, prepaying investment, and considering transferring its stake in the Shahid Beheshti Terminal to an Iranian company. This move is seen as a 'tactical workaround' to safeguard India's strategic interests in the port, which is crucial for connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- The U.S. sanctions waiver for India's Chabahar port project is set to expire, creating a dilemma for India.
- India is exploring options like transferring its stake to an Iranian company to maintain strategic interest while avoiding U.S. sanctions.
- The Chabahar port is vital for India's connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
Israel initiated 'Operation Wings of Dawn' to fly out 240 members of the Bnei Menashe community from Mizoram to Tel Aviv, amidst the ongoing war in West Asia. This is the first of three batches, with a total of around 600 individuals expected. The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) is facilitating the move, settling families in absorption centres in Nof HaGalil and Kiryat Yam. India clarified it did not facilitate the flight, stating its responsibility is to prevent human trafficking and ensure legal migration. The operation proceeds despite India's travel advisory due to security risks in Israel, particularly in northern areas targeted by Hezbollah.
- Israel's 'Operation Wings of Dawn' is relocating members of the Bnei Menashe community from Northeast India to Israel.
- The first batch of 240 individuals from Mizoram has been flown to Tel Aviv, with a total of 600 expected.
- The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) is spearheading the initiative, settling new arrivals in Nof HaGalil and Kiryat Yam.
The Indian rupee weakened past the 94 level against the U.S. dollar, falling 23 paisa to 94.01, marking its fourth consecutive session of decline despite RBI intervention. This depreciation is driven by high hedging dollar demand, a shift towards safe-haven assets, and a simultaneous rally in crude oil prices (over $100 a barrel) due to West Asia conflict. Analysts attribute the rupee's weakness to a rising current account deficit caused by high crude prices and sustained FPI outflows. Escalating conflict and uncertainty around U.S.-Iran talks further support crude prices, limiting rupee recovery and raising inflation concerns.
- The Indian rupee depreciated to 94.01 against the U.S. dollar, marking its fourth consecutive session of fall.
- The fall is attributed to high hedging dollar demand, safe-haven asset shift, and rising crude oil prices due to West Asia conflict.
- RBI intervention failed to arrest the slide, indicating strong market pressures.
The article details the complex, decades-long conflict in Lebanon, involving Israel, Hezbollah, Iran, and the US. It traces the conflict from the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) presence to Hezbollah's rise as a powerful militia backed by Iran. Recent events include a joint US-Israel air campaign against Iran, which led to Hezbollah attacking Israel, breaking a 15-month ceasefire. Despite a tenuous ceasefire and ongoing talks in Washington and Islamabad, Lebanon remains fragile, facing challenges of disarmament, civil war, and a severe humanitarian crisis with 35% of its population below the poverty line by early 2026.
- Lebanon's conflict predates Iran's Islamic Republic, rooted in its role as a battleground for foreign causes against Israel.
- Hezbollah, backed by Iran, evolved into Lebanon's most powerful militia, inflicting losses on the IDF.
- A joint US-Israel air campaign against Iran in February 2026 led to Hezbollah attacking Israel, breaking a ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump ordered the Navy to destroy Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in West Asia. Iran responded by stating it had banked the first proceeds from tolls on shipping through the strait and vowed retaliation after US forces seized an Iranian vessel. Two container ships seized by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz with 40 crew were taken towards Bandar Abbas. The US stated it's not under pressure to end the war, but "the clock is ticking" for Tehran, while Iran vowed to keep the strait closed to all but approved vessels as long as the US Navy blockades its ports.
- US President ordered the Navy to destroy Iranian boats caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran claimed to have collected revenue from tolls on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran seized two container ships with about 40 crew near the Strait of Hormuz, vowing retaliation.
The Union Home Ministry has designated 14 additional seaports as immigration check posts for foreign nationals holding e-visas, significantly expanding India's immigration access. This brings the total number of seaports with e-visa facilities to 37, out of 114 total immigration check posts across various routes including air, sea, land, rail, and river. E-visa facilities have been operational since March 19 at several seaports across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. E-visas are available to citizens of 207 countries (excluding China, Pakistan, Yemen, and Iran) for various categories like tourist, business, medical, and student, with validity ranging from one month to five years. The Ministry also revised modalities for granting tourist visas to Chinese nationals and resumed direct flights between India and China after a five-year gap.
- The Union Home Ministry has designated 14 new seaports for e-visa entry, increasing the total to 37 seaports with e-visa facilities.
- India now has 114 immigration check posts (ICPs) across air, sea, land, rail, and river routes for international traffic.
- E-visa facilities are available to citizens from 207 countries, excluding China, Pakistan, Yemen, and Iran, covering various categories and validities.
The article argues that India's traditional approach of managing relationships with major powers through bilateral trade deals is inadequate in a global landscape where geopolitics increasingly dictates access to critical goods. It highlights India's vulnerabilities due to supply chain dependencies for items like computer chips, APIs, and rare earth minerals, which major powers can weaponize. The authors propose a shift towards 'sectoral plurilateralism' – building smaller, focused partnerships with a few countries in specific sectors to set standards, develop capabilities, and create real interdependence. This strategy aims to build lasting leverage and influence, enabling India to move from a reactive to a proactive global player by setting its own terms and creating alternatives to dominant models.
- Global trade is increasingly influenced by geopolitics, making traditional bilateral trade deals insufficient for India's strategic needs.
- India faces vulnerabilities due to dependencies on critical supply chains from major powers for items like computer chips, APIs, and rare earth minerals.
- The article advocates for 'sectoral plurilateralism,' forming smaller, focused partnerships in specific sectors to build capabilities and interdependence.
The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is scheduled for May-end 2026, marking its return after more than a decade. The summit will prioritize development initiatives, education, capacity building, diplomatic expansion, and defence cooperation. It holds significant importance amidst global supply chain disruptions, particularly following the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran. India aims to enhance the implementation rate of its commitments to African nations and encourages Foreign Direct Investment from Indian businesses, shifting focus from small and medium enterprises to larger investments from Global South leaders.
- The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) in 2026 will focus on development initiatives, education, capacity building, and defence cooperation.
- The summit is strategically significant given the current global supply chain disruptions.
- India aims to improve the implementation of its commitments to African countries.
The article criticizes the U.S.'s approach to lunar governance, particularly the Artemis Accords, viewing them as a unilateral mechanism to control lunar resources and potentially create exclusion zones. It contrasts this with recent U.S. actions on human rights and international law, which undermine confidence in its global leadership. The author advocates for a multilateral framework, such as the 1979 Moon Agreement, to ensure equitable access and prevent confrontation in space. The piece argues against allowing any single power to unilaterally set rules for a domain that belongs to all humankind.
- The U.S.'s Artemis Accords are viewed critically as a mechanism for unilateral control over lunar resources, potentially creating exclusion zones.
- Recent U.S. actions regarding human rights and international law are cited as undermining confidence in its space governance framework.
- A multilateral approach, exemplified by the 1979 Moon Agreement, is advocated for equitable exploitation of lunar resources.
This article argues that India's compliance with U.S. unilateral sanctions has negatively impacted its economy, energy sourcing, and foreign policy, leading to increased demands from the U.S. It highlights that India's decision to ignore certain sanctions, such as for the Russian S-400 systems, proved beneficial. The author advocates for India to unequivocally denounce U.S. unilateral sanctions to safeguard its strategic autonomy and achieve energy independence. The piece also criticizes the U.S. for its extensive use of sanctions compared to other global powers and international bodies.
- U.S. unilateral sanctions have adversely affected India's economic growth, energy sourcing, and foreign policy objectives.
- India's past compliance with U.S. sanctions has not curbed U.S. demands, instead leading to additional pressures for conformity.
- Ignoring U.S. sanctions, such as for the S-400 air defence systems, has proven beneficial for India without incurring penalties.
Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran war, are fundamentally altering global aviation. Airspace closures force longer, circuitous routes, increasing fuel consumption and operational costs, leading to higher ticket prices and flight cancellations. This is not a transient disruption but a structural shift, potentially leading to a "new normal" of inefficiency and higher cost structures. India is particularly vulnerable due to its dependence on West Asian air corridors. The article suggests adaptive reconfiguration, including diversifying routing strategies, investing in ultra-long-haul aircraft, and developing alternative aviation hubs, to transform India's vulnerability into an opportunity.
- Geopolitical conflicts are causing significant disruptions in global aviation, leading to increased operational costs and reduced efficiency.
- India's aviation sector is highly vulnerable due to its reliance on West Asian air corridors for connectivity to Europe and North America.
- The disruptions are likely to result in a permanent shift towards higher cost structures and altered route economics.
India faces significant strategic vulnerability in its LPG supply, with 60% imported and domestic production meeting only 40% of demand. Annual LPG imports are 150% of domestic output. This is critical because LPG is primarily a household fuel, making its supply hard to defer or replace. The Strait of Hormuz is a key transit route, adding geopolitical risk. Unlike Japan, which has alternatives and significant storage, India's storage is minimal (1.5 days of national demand in deep storage). The global exportable LPG pool is also heavily claimed by a few Asian buyers, intensifying market tightness during disruptions.
- India's LPG demand significantly outstrips domestic production, leading to high import dependence.
- The overwhelming use of LPG as a household fuel makes India's supply model highly vulnerable to disruptions.
- Limited strategic storage and reliance on a single transit corridor (Strait of Hormuz) exacerbate the risk.
India's March retail inflation (CPI) at 3.4% appears benign, but the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) climbed to a 38-month high of 3.88%, indicating underlying pressures. This divergence is partly due to the CPI's new 2024 base year versus WPI's 2011-12 base year. Rising input costs, especially fuel prices amplified by the rupee's depreciation against the US dollar and the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupting supply chains, are key drivers of imported inflation. While firms have absorbed costs, this is unsustainable. Contraction in exports and imports suggests war-induced supply disruptions. The article warns of emerging stagflationary risks and underscores India's vulnerability as an oil-import-dependent economy, urging a shift to renewable energy.
- India's March retail inflation (CPI) appears low, but wholesale inflation (WPI) shows significant underlying cost pressures.
- The rupee's depreciation and global supply chain disruptions due to the US-Israeli war on Iran are amplifying imported inflation, especially through fuel prices.
- Contraction in both exports and imports indicates war-induced supply disruptions, not just weakening demand.