Mizoram is facing a severe refugee crisis, housing over 40,000 shelter-seekers from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur. The latest influx of 4,000 people from Myanmar's Chin State followed clashes between anti-junta armed groups. Mizoram's dominant Mizo community shares ethnic ties with the Chins, Bawms, and Kuki-Zos, leading the state government to prioritize humanitarian grounds over pushing back refugees, despite limited resources and central government's tepid response. India lacks a specific national law on refugees, dealing with them under foreigners' laws. The state is now feeling pressure from the influx, raising concerns about national security, demography, and local resources.
- Mizoram is currently hosting over 40,000 refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur.
- The recent influx from Myanmar's Chin State was triggered by armed clashes between anti-junta groups.
- The dominant Mizo community shares ethnic and familial ties with the Chin, Bawm, and Kuki-Zo groups, influencing the state's humanitarian approach.
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a member of the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission, and his three crewmates are scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14. The Ax-4 mission involved approximately 60 scientific studies, experiments, and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, and several European nations. This mission highlights international collaboration in space research and the participation of Indian astronauts in global space endeavors.
- Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of the Axiom-4 mission.
- The Axiom-4 mission is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14.
- The mission involved extensive international collaboration on scientific studies and experiments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Namibia, emphasized India's commitment to cooperating with Africa for shared growth rather than competition. He highlighted India's historical support for Namibia's decolonization and congratulated the nation for adopting India's UPI digital payment system. Modi met with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, signing agreements for an Entrepreneurship Development Centre and cooperation in health and medicine. Namibia also joined the India-led Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuel Alliance. Modi was conferred Namibia's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, underscoring strong bilateral ties.
- PM Modi advocated for India-Africa cooperation based on shared growth and mutual benefit, rather than competition.
- Namibia adopted India's UPI digital payment system, marking a significant step in digital cooperation.
- Several agreements were signed, including establishing an Entrepreneurship Development Centre and cooperation in health and medicine.
India played a key role in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report, "Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks," which for the first time recognized state sponsorship as a means of funding terrorism. This reinforces India's long-held position, particularly regarding Pakistan, identified as a source of terror financing since 2022. The report highlights that governments can provide financial, logistical, and training support to terrorist organizations, posing a threat to international peace. The findings are expected to influence National Risk Assessments (NRAs) of other countries, with the U.S. already noting terror threats from Pakistan. This will increase scrutiny and cost of doing business for Pakistani entities.
- India was a key contributor to the FATF report that, for the first time, explicitly recognized state sponsorship as a method of terrorist financing.
- This FATF finding significantly strengthens India's stance against Pakistan, which India has identified as a source of terror financing since 2022.
- The report details various forms of government support for terrorist activities, including direct financial aid, logistical assistance, and training.
The 17th BRICS Summit, which included newly inducted members like Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, Iran, and Indonesia, demonstrated the group's cohesion despite internal rivalries and external pressures. The Rio declaration addressed critical geopolitical issues, including attacks on Gaza and Iran, terror financing, cross-border terrorism, and U.S. tariffs. India played a significant role in shaping the joint statement, ensuring condemnation of terror attacks like Pahalgam. As India prepares to lead the BRICS grouping next year, which represents about half the global population, 40% of global GDP, and a quarter of global trade, it aims to fulfill the vision of "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability."
- The 17th BRICS Summit, with new members, demonstrated cohesion among its members despite global challenges and internal differences.
- The Rio declaration addressed critical geopolitical issues, including conflicts in Gaza and Iran, terror financing, and U.S. tariffs.
- India played a significant role in shaping the joint statement, ensuring condemnation of terror attacks like Pahalgam.
Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, driven by conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. NATO's pledge to increase member nations' defence expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035 is a key driver. The US, China, Russia, Germany, and India are the top five spenders. This increased militarisation is criticized for crowding out domestic health spending, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It also negatively impacts the UN's budget, which is facing cuts due to insufficient funding, partly from US foreign aid reductions. Furthermore, rising military spending hinders progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty eradication, health, and climate change.
- Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, marking a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, primarily due to ongoing conflicts.
- NATO members have pledged to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant rise from the previous 2% target.
- Increased military spending is shown to crowd out domestic health spending, particularly in middle- and low-income countries, and negatively impacts the UN's budget and its ability to fund humanitarian aid.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report, 'Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks', highlights that accused in two recent terror attacks in India utilized online payment services, e-commerce platforms, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In the 2022 Gorakhnath Temple attack, a lone actor transferred ₹6,69,841 via PayPal for ISIL support and used VPNs for detection evasion. For the 2019 Pulwama attack, materials like aluminium powder for the IED were procured through Amazon. The report notes terrorists exploit e-commerce platforms as multiple buyers/sellers and use trade-based money laundering techniques like over/under invoicing to transfer value.
- The FATF report indicates that terrorists in India are exploiting online payment services, e-commerce platforms, and VPNs for financing and operational activities.
- In the Gorakhnath Temple attack (2022), an individual used PayPal to transfer funds for ISIL support and VPNs to evade detection.
- Materials for the Pulwama attack (2019), specifically aluminium powder for the IED, were procured via Amazon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India, during its BRICS presidency in 2026, will work to give the grouping a "new form," emphasizing "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability." He stated that India would take the forum forward in the spirit of "people-centricity and humanity first," mirroring its approach during the G-20 chairmanship where Global South issues were prioritized. Modi highlighted the need for global cooperation to combat common threats, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an example where solutions require joint efforts. He also shared India's position on Artificial Intelligence governance, advocating for equal priority to addressing concerns and encouraging innovation. Modi held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, discussing trade linkages, digital technology, critical minerals, healthcare, and space.
- India will assume the BRICS presidency in 2026 and aims to redefine the grouping with a focus on "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability."
- The Indian approach will prioritize "people-centricity and humanity first," similar to its G-20 chairmanship.
- PM Modi stressed the importance of global cooperation to address common threats, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A conflict between two ethnic armed groups, the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-H), in Myanmar has forced approximately 4,000 Chin people to seek refuge in Mizoram, India. The refugees, primarily women and children, are taking shelter in Zokhawthar and Vaphai villages, crossing the border at Zokhawthar and the Tiau river. Local villagers and NGOs are providing basic needs. This influx adds to over 30,000 refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh already living in Mizoram, alongside 5,000 Kuki-Zo people displaced by Manipur ethnic violence since 2023. The conflict is over control of strategic border trade areas, with both groups being part of the People's Defence Force resisting Myanmar's military junta.
- Around 4,000 Chin people from Myanmar have taken refuge in Mizoram due to armed conflict between ethnic groups.
- The conflict involves the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-H) fighting for control of border trade areas.
- The refugees are concentrated in Zokhawthar and Vaphai villages, with local support for their basic needs.
India's cautious response to the Israel-Iran conflict, including calls for restraint and de-escalation, reflects its strategic autonomy and commitment to national interests. Under PM Modi's leadership, India has provided humanitarian aid, voted for a Gaza ceasefire at the UNGA, and evacuated citizens from conflict zones. The article argues that India's "strategic silence" is a sign of growing stature, allowing it to engage with all sides and assert its interests deliberately, especially in West Asia where it has significant economic and defense ties. India's foreign policy prioritizes its growth story, security, and value system, navigating a complex geopolitical landscape where some nations re-hyphenate India-Pakistan relations or engage with unelected military regimes for strategic access. India advocates for a stable West Asia through arms control and regional cooperation.
- India's diplomatic approach is characterized by strategic autonomy and a measured response to global conflicts like the Israel-Iran tensions.
- The government prioritizes national interests, providing humanitarian aid, advocating for peace, and evacuating citizens from conflict zones.
- India's growing credibility allows it to engage with all parties in volatile regions like West Asia, where it has significant economic and defense ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent bilateral visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina, en route to the BRICS summit, highlight India's commitment to strengthening ties with the Global South. The visits focused on enhancing cooperation in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, digital technology, food security, and critical minerals. India aims to build alternative economic mechanisms and offer low-cost solutions to global challenges, promoting India-led international organizations like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Modi also emphasized the Indian diaspora's role as India's "pride." The article underscores the historical connections and shared experiences of these nations as former colonies, driving their commitment to South-South cooperation and a more equitable global order.
- PM Modi's recent visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina underscore India's focus on strengthening ties with the Global South.
- Cooperation areas include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, digital technology, food security, and critical minerals.
- India aims to build alternative economic mechanisms and promote India-led international organizations like CDRI.
Brazil's Ambassador to India, Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, clarified that BRICS nations are not planning an alternative currency. Instead, the focus of the upcoming BRICS summit (July 6-7) in Rio is on enhancing intra-BRICS trade, addressing climate change, artificial intelligence, and combating terrorism. The group aims to increase local currency use in trade and investment, rather than creating a new currency. The discussion also covered the expansion of BRICS and its role in global governance.
- BRICS nations are not developing an alternative currency.
- The focus is on boosting intra-BRICS trade and cooperation in various sectors.
- The upcoming summit will address climate change, AI, and counter-terrorism.
Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in 2021. This decision followed Moscow's removal of the Taliban from its list of outlawed organizations. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that it had received credentials from Afghanistan's newly appointed Ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan, stating that official recognition would foster "productive bilateral cooperation." Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry welcomed this as a historic step, with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a "good example" for other countries. China also welcomed Russia's decision, advocating for Afghanistan's inclusion in the international community.
- Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since 2021.
- This recognition followed Russia's removal of the Taliban from its list of outlawed organizations.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry cited the aim of fostering "productive bilateral cooperation."
The Indian government has informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to impose retaliatory tariffs of approximately $724 million on U.S. imports. This move is a response to the U.S.'s 25% ad valorem tariff increase on passenger vehicles, light trucks, and certain automobile parts from India, imposed on March 26. India argues that the U.S. measures, though not notified to the WTO, are safeguard measures inconsistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and the Agreement on Safeguards (AoS). India reserves the right to suspend concessions under Article 8, AoS, due to lack of consultations.
- India plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, citing U.S. tariffs on Indian automobiles.
- The U.S. had imposed a 25% ad valorem tariff on certain Indian automobile parts.
- India considers the U.S. tariffs inconsistent with WTO agreements, specifically GATT 1994 and AoS.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an event of Indian-origin people in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting the 35 million strong Indian diaspora as India's pride and "Rashtradoots." He announced that sixth-generation Indian-origin citizens of Trinidad and Tobago would soon receive Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards. Modi also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for being the first Caribbean country to adopt India's UPI system, facilitating financial transfers. The government is creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community and mapping their past to strengthen cultural links with India, especially with regions like Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- Prime Minister Modi emphasized the Indian diaspora's role as "Rashtradoots" and a source of national pride.
- Sixth-generation Indian-origin citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will be granted Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards.
- Trinidad and Tobago is the first Caribbean country to adopt India's UPI system.
The first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the U.S. is scheduled for delivery to India by July 15, with another batch expected by November. This follows a recent India-U.S. Defence Ministers' dialogue where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed ongoing defence cooperation with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Singh also emphasized India's right to pre-empt cross-border terror attacks and sought timely delivery of General Electric engines for the Tejas light combat-Mk1A aircraft, along with setting up a production unit for jet engines in India. The Apache induction is part of the Indian Army's Aviation Corps modernization.
- The first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the U.S. will be delivered to India by July 15.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed defence cooperation and timely delivery of GE engines for Tejas aircraft with his U.S. counterpart.
- India reiterated its right to pre-empt and deter cross-border terror attacks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing Ghana's Parliament, stressed the critical role of the Global South's voice for contemporary world progress. He received Ghana's highest state honour, 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', symbolizing enduring friendship between India and Africa. Modi highlighted the changing world order, the rise of the Global South, and the need for credible reforms in global governance to address complex crises like climate change, pandemics, and terrorism. He also proudly mentioned the African Union's permanent membership in the G-20 during India's presidency, underscoring Africa's rightful place at the global high table.
- PM Modi advocated for the Global South's crucial role in shaping contemporary world progress during his address to Ghana's Parliament.
- He emphasized the need for global governance reforms to tackle new and complex crises, including climate change and pandemics.
- India played a key role in securing permanent membership for the African Union in the G-20 during its presidency.
India's development cooperation with the Global South has shown significant growth, with financial flows nearly doubling from $3 billion in 2010-11 to $7 billion in 2023-24. However, rising sovereign debt levels in the Global South and a global decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA) necessitate a re-evaluation of development finance strategies. The article emphasizes the concept of a Global Development Compact (GDC) for a balanced approach and highlights Triangular Cooperation (TrC) as a powerful mechanism to bridge the Global North-South divide. TrC, involving traditional donors, pivotal Global South countries, and partner countries, fosters shared learning and co-creation of solutions, demonstrating efficacy in physical infrastructure and social progress.
- India's development cooperation with the Global South has seen substantial growth, but global financial challenges necessitate a rephasing of development finance.
- The concept of a Global Development Compact (GDC) promotes a balanced approach across various modalities of engagement.
- Triangular Cooperation (TrC) is presented as an effective mechanism to bridge the Global North-South divide, involving multiple partners for shared learning.
The Quad Foreign Ministers, representing India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S., unequivocally condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and demanded that its perpetrators be brought to justice without delay. A joint statement, issued after their meeting in Washington, reaffirmed the Quad's commitment to counterterrorism cooperation and condemned all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. This meeting, the first formal Quad FMM under the Trump administration, also established a new agenda. The focus areas include maritime security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response, with a sharper geographical emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Quad Foreign Ministers condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and urged all UN Member States to cooperate in bringing perpetrators to justice.
- The joint statement reaffirmed Quad's commitment to counterterrorism and condemned cross-border terrorism.
- The Quad has adopted a new agenda focusing on maritime security, economic prosperity, critical technologies, and disaster response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-nation trip, including the BRICS summit in Brazil, aims to strengthen cooperation within the Global South and foster a "balanced multipolar world order." India, as a founding BRICS member, is committed to the platform for cooperation among emerging economies, striving for a peaceful, equitable, and democratic global order. Modi's itinerary also includes visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia, where he will hold bilateral meetings and receive high state honours. The visits are expected to enhance partnerships in investment, energy, health, capacity building, and development, with Ghana aiming to become Africa's "vaccine hub."
- PM Modi's five-nation trip includes the BRICS summit in Brazil, aiming to foster a multipolar world order and strengthen Global South cooperation.
- India views BRICS as a crucial platform for cooperation among emerging economies to achieve a peaceful and equitable global order.
- The Prime Minister will receive high state honours in Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago during his visit.
The eighth edition of the Indo-French Army exercise, 'Shakti 2025', concluded in France. This joint military exercise, which began on June 18, involved over 500 legionnaires and military personnel from various units of the French Army, Foreign Legion, Air and Space Force, and Navy. The Indian contingent comprised 90 personnel, including a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Exercise Shakti serves as a crucial platform for Indian and French military personnel to enhance joint operational preparedness and strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.
- The eighth edition of the Indo-French Army exercise, 'Shakti 2025', has concluded in France.
- The exercise involved a significant number of military personnel from both Indian and various French forces.
- It aims to boost joint operational preparedness and interoperability between the two nations' armed forces.
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F71), a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, in Kaliningrad, Russia. This commissioning is significant as Tamal is the last foreign-built major warship to be inducted into the Indian Navy, aligning with the government's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" and "Make in India" initiatives focused on indigenisation. Tamal is the eighth ship in the Project 1135.6 series (Talwar class) and the second of the follow-on Tushil-class frigates. It symbolizes the deep Indo-Russian defence partnership, being the 51st ship produced under this collaboration over 65 years, and is equipped with dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
- INS Tamal, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, has been commissioned in Russia.
- It marks a pivotal moment as the last foreign-built major warship to be inducted by the Indian Navy, emphasizing a shift towards indigenisation.
- The commissioning highlights the long-standing and deep Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership.
Pakistan has called upon India to resume the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi has held in abeyance since May. This appeal follows a recent decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which Pakistan claims validates the treaty's operational status. India, however, has consistently refused to recognize the proceedings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Pakistan initiated these proceedings due to objections over certain design elements of India's Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects. India rejects the 'supplemental award' and maintains its stance that the arbitration process is not recognized.
- Pakistan has urged India to reactivate the Indus Waters Treaty, which India has kept in abeyance since May.
- Pakistan refers to a recent decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague as confirmation of the treaty's validity.
- India has consistently refused to recognize the arbitration proceedings initiated by Pakistan regarding its hydropower projects.