Summary:

On May 27, 2025, an all-party delegation from India, led by BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, concluded its visit to France, highlighting the strong bilateral collaboration against terrorism, particularly in relation to threats originating from Pakistan. The meeting at the grand Luxembourg Palace included members of the India-France Friendship Group and representatives from the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.

Key Points from the Delegation Visit:

• Solidarity Against Terrorism: France reiterated its unwavering support for India in combating terrorism linked to Pakistan. Ravi Shankar Prasad emphasized the importance of a united stance from the democratic world against such threats.

• Engagements in France: The delegation engaged in discussions with French senators, with the sentiment that both nations should maintain a cohesive front against terrorism. Members expressed gratitude for the support received from the French political community.

• India-France Partnership: Thierry Tesson, president of the India-France Friendship Group, highlighted the longstanding partnership between India and France, which he described as promising for future cooperation. He affirmed that both nations are combating terrorism actively.

• Acknowledgment of Global Terrorism: Alongside Prasad, other MPs and figures from the delegation, including former Union Minister M.J. Akbar, raised concerns about the pervasive nature of terrorism in Pakistan, indicating that terrorism has become an instrument of state policy.

• Expansion of Diplomatic Outreach: The European trip is part of a broader diplomatic effort by India, involving all-party delegations expressing India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism globally. This visit is part of a series of 33 delegations aimed at raising awareness about Pakistan's activities and their repercussions on global security.

• Context of Terrorism: The discussions were prompted by heightened tensions following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, reinforcing the urgency of the dialogue surrounding international terrorism linked to Pakistan.

Future Engagements:

• After concluding in France, the delegation is set to continue discussions in Italy, followed by visits to Denmark, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Germany. This itinerary underscores India's commitment to engaging with international allies on counter-terrorism strategies.

In summary, the visit to France has served as a platform for reinforcing diplomatic ties, with a strong focus on countering terrorism and articulating India's perspective on the threats posed by Pakistan, underlining the importance of global collaboration on this pressing issue.

Important points:

• France supports India against terrorism from Pakistan.
• The visit included the India-France Friendship Group and Foreign Affairs Committee discussions.
• Emphasis on a united front among democratic nations against terrorism.
• Thierry Tesson noted the strong partnership between India and France.
• Concerns raised about terrorism as a state policy in Pakistan.
• Delegation part of 33 worldwide teams advocating for India's anti-terrorism stance.
• The visit follows the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.
• Future engagements scheduled in Italy, Denmark, U.K., Belgium, and Germany.

The article discusses the arms procurement trends of India and Pakistan, following a comprehensive analysis of arms transfer data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). It highlights the shifts in sourcing weapons for both countries over the past decade and provides insights into the geopolitical implications of these trends.

Key Summary Points:

• Operation Sindoor: India utilized both indigenous defence systems and foreign weapons, including the Israeli SkyStriker drone and Russian Pechora and OSA-AK missiles, during this operation.

• Pakistan's Arms Supplies: Pakistan relied on Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles and Turkish Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in its military operations.

• Shift in Arms Sourcing:

  • India:

    • Historically, over 33% of India's weapons were sourced from Russia since the 1960s, peaking at 96.5% in the 1990s.
    • By the 2020s, Russia's share was approximately 75%, with notable increases in imports from:
      • France (over 9%)
      • U.K. (5.5%)
      • Israel (nearly 5%)
      • U.S. (close to 3%)

  • Pakistan:

    • Traditionally sourced most of its arms from China and the U.S., but by the 2020s, nearly 95% of its arms imports originated from China.
    • This shift marked a significant increase from 41% in the 2010s and only 19% in the 2000s.
    • The U.S. share in Pakistan’s arms imports sharply declined from 67% in the 2000s to merely 0.85% in the 2020s.

• Air Power Procurement:

  • Indian Air Force (IAF):

    • Played a pivotal role in conducting precision strikes and maintaining airspace control during the operations, highlighting India’s increasing dependence on foreign supplies for air power.
    • In the 2020s, more than 55% of air-related weapons were procured from France, the U.K., and Israel.

  • Pakistan’s Air Power:

    • Reliance on China has intensified, with 50% to 85% of air-related imports sourced from China over the last three decades.

• Global Arms Exports:

  • The U.S. dominates global arms exports, accounting for over 65% in the 2020s, while Russia's share has substantially diminished to approximately 5%, primarily due to its military engagements, such as the invasion of Ukraine.
  • China represents less than 2% of total global arms exports, but 33% of its limited exports are directed to Pakistan.

Conclusion:

The article underscores the evolving landscape of arms procurement in Asia, highlighting India's gradual shift towards Western suppliers and Pakistan's reliance on China. It reflects broader geopolitical trends, showcasing the changing dynamics of defence partnerships and the implications for regional security.

Important Sentences:

• India utilized a mix of indigenous and foreign weapons during Operation Sindoor, including tools from Israel and Russia.
• Over the past decade, the sourcing of weapons has shifted significantly, with India reducing its dependence on Russia.
• In the 2020s, 95% of Pakistan’s arms imports came from China, a stark increase from previous decades.
• The U.S. remains a major player in global arms exports, while Russia and China's shares have diminished.
• The IAF's role in air operations highlights India's strategic emphasis on obtaining advanced air power capabilities from foreign suppliers.

Summary of the Indus Waters Treaty Context and Current Developments

Background of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

• The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the distribution of water from the Indus river system between India and Pakistan.
• Under the treaty, India is allocated the waters of the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi), while Pakistan receives the waters of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
• The treaty was negotiated by civil engineers rather than politicians, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to water sharing.

Recent Developments

• In October 2023, Pakistan expressed willingness to discuss the treaty, which India had put on hold following a militant attack in Pahalgam (April 22).
• Prime Minister Modi highlighted that "blood and water cannot flow together," indicating India's stance on maintaining security and water sharing.
• India issued a notice in January 2023 for renegotiation of the treaty terms, reflecting ongoing discontent within India regarding its fairness.

Current Discussions and Concerns

• The treaty is seen by both nations as potentially unfair, with calls from India to abolish it completely and threats from Pakistan that any disruption could be deemed "an act of war."
• The average annual flow of water from the three western rivers is significantly higher than that of the eastern rivers, creating disparities.
• India has developed significant irrigation projects (e.g., Bhakra Nangal dam, Indira Gandhi Canal) that rely on eastern rivers, while it has not fully utilized its entitlements on the western rivers.

Impact of Keeping the Treaty in Abeyance

• 'In abeyance' signifies that India would strategically focus on optimizing the provisions of the treaty related to the western rivers rather than blocking their flow to Pakistan.
• India’s current capacity does not allow blocking water, but India can perform sediment flushing operations to manage water quality.

Proposed Changes for Renegotiation

• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Article IX of the IWT outlines a three-level dispute resolution mechanism (Indus Commissioners, World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert, International Court of Arbitration). India seeks modifications to ensure a bilateral approach instead of allowing Pakistan to internationalize disputes.
• Dam Construction Provisions: The existing treaty has stringent controls on dam construction, which may no longer reflect contemporary technology advancements. India seeks to incorporate updated engineering practices into any new agreement.

Regional Context and China’s Influence

• Concerns about China’s role, particularly on transboundary rivers like the Brahmaputra, are rising due to ongoing Chinese dam projects affecting India's water security.
• India acknowledges the need to bolster its water management strategies and engage neighboring countries (Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh) to create strategic partnerships against potential Chinese dominance over river systems.

Important Points

• The Indus Waters Treaty has been in effect for over 65 years, allowing India and Pakistan to share vital water resources.
• Discussions are currently rekindled due to geopolitical tensions and the need for treaty review.
• The treaty is perceived as outdated, necessitating adjustments to modern circumstances.
• Strategic control over water management is crucial for India's relations with both Pakistan and China regarding their respective water security roles.

On May 26, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to bringing home all hostages amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in substantial casualties. The conflict continues after a previously proposed 70-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages was rejected by Hamas, despite claims from a Hamas source that they had accepted the ceasefire terms.

Key Developments:

• Statements from Leaders: Netanyahu stated, "We intend to bring them all back, the living and the dead," indicating a steadfast approach to the hostage situation. However, he did not acknowledge any ceasefire negotiations.
• Israeli Military Actions: Israeli airstrikes have intensified, reportedly killing 52 individuals in Gaza, including an early-morning strike on a school sheltering displaced people that resulted in at least 33 fatalities, primarily children. A subsequent strike in Jabalia resulted in at least 19 additional deaths.
• Hamas Position: A Hamas spokesman claimed the group had agreed to a ceasefire proposal that included the release of 10 hostages, but U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff viewed Hamas's response as disappointing and unacceptable, asserting that no agreement was reached.
• International Reaction: The ongoing violence has brought international condemnation. European and Arab leaders met in Spain to call for an end to the conflict described as "inhumane." Notably, Spain's Foreign Minister advocated for an arms embargo on Israel and unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza. Contrarily, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced strong criticism of Israel's military objectives, questioning the justification for its operations in Gaza.
• Military Overview: The Israeli military reported that it has struck over 200 targets in Gaza within 48 hours and detected projectiles launched towards Israeli territory. As Jerusalem Day approached, an evacuation order was issued for parts of Khan Yunis, a site of recent rocket launches.

Humanitarian Crisis:

• Severe Shortages: Following a blockade initiated in early March, humanitarian conditions have sharply deteriorated in Gaza, with the United Nations estimating only 5% of farmland is usable. The World Health Organization (WHO) lamented that no medical aid trucks had entered Gaza for over 11 weeks, highlighting the critical state of healthcare.
• Aid Efforts: In a recent easing of restrictions, Israel permitted the entry of 170 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies on May 26, while ongoing military action complicates the distribution and effectiveness of such aid.

Casualty Figures:

• The health ministry in Gaza reported that over 3,822 individuals had been killed since a ceasefire ended on March 18, with total conflict casualties exceeding 53,977. The escalation follows an October 2023 attack by Hamas which resulted in 1,218 Israeli deaths and the taking of 251 hostages, of whom 57 remain in Gaza, with 34 confirmed dead according to Israeli military sources.

Context and Conclusion:

The situation in Gaza is characterized by a complex interplay of military actions, political negotiations for hostages, and a dire humanitarian crisis. As global leaders react to the escalating conflict, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, exacerbated by the recent history of violence and a lack of effective diplomatic resolutions.

Important Points:

• Netanyahu emphasized a commitment to recover all hostages as conflicts continue.
• Israeli strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, raising international concerns.
• Hamas claims acceptance of a ceasefire, but U.S. officials dispute this.
• Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are dire, with aid being insufficient amidst ongoing military operations.
• The conflict has resulted in substantial loss of life on both sides since October 2023.

The article discusses the evolving international response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza as the ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2022, marks over 19 months. Key points include:

• Historical Context: Since its establishment on May 14, 1948, Israel has relied heavily on diplomatic and military support from Western powers, notably the United States, UK, Germany, and France. This support has been justified by Israel's right to self-defense and is rooted in moral obligations linked to the Holocaust and the need for a Jewish homeland.

• Change in International Support: Recent developments indicate a significant shift in tone among Israel's allies. In a joint statement, the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza as "wholly disproportionate." The UK has suspended trade talks and imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers, and the EU is reviewing its political and economic relations with Israel.

• International Conferences and Appeals: European and Arab nations convened in Madrid to address the situation in Gaza. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares termed Israel's actions as "inhumane" and "senseless." A forthcoming conference in New York, spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia, aims to promote the two-state solution.

• Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis: As of the latest estimates, over 53,000 people have died due to the conflict, with significant destruction to Gaza’s civilian infrastructure. The article suggests that these casualties reflect a strategy of collective punishment by Israel. Despite an apparent rise in humanitarian crises highlighted by global leaders, including US political figures, Israel continues its military campaign.

• US Position: The US has to collaborate with other world powers to restrain Israel to avoid perpetuating further humanitarian suffering and instability in the region. The article calls for concerted international efforts to provide humanitarian aid and reduce violence.

• Hamas Recruitment Concerns: Ongoing military actions are reportedly ineffective against Hamas, as US intelligence indicates that the organization has recruited between 10,000 and 15,000 new members since the conflict began. This suggests that military strategies may increase instability rather than resolve the underlying issues.

Important Sentences Summary:

• The international support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza is beginning to falter.
• A coalition of UK, French, and Canadian leaders condemned Israel’s actions as disproportionate.
• The UK has imposed sanctions and suspended trade talks with Israel.
• Spain hosted a meeting for European and Arab nations to denounce Israeli military tactics.
• Over 53,000 casualties and widespread infrastructure damage characterize the humanitarian crisis.
• The US is urged to collaborate with other nations to restrain Israeli military actions.
• Israel's current strategy may be increasing Hamas recruitment rather than diminishing it.

This summary encapsulates the critical developments in the geopolitical discourse surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlighting shifting dynamics in international relations and humanitarian concerns.

Summary of the Indus Waters Treaty and Related Developments

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, is a significant bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan governing the sharing of waters from the Indus River system. Recently, discussions about the treaty resurfaced, especially following heightened tensions after the Pahalgam attack in April 2023.

Key Elements of the Treaty:

• Historical Context: The treaty has operated for over 65 years, initiated under Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's administration. He characterized it as the "price of peace" with Pakistan.
• Water Distribution:
  • India is allocated the waters of the Eastern Rivers: Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi.
  • Pakistan receives the waters of the Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
  • The average annual flow for the Western Rivers is approximately 135.6 million acre-feet, substantially greater compared to the 32.6 million acre-feet for the Eastern Rivers.

Recent Tensions and Negotiations:

• Following the Pahalgam attack, India responded to Pakistan's approach for dialogue on the treaty by indicating a preference to revise its terms, reflecting contemporary realities, including population growth and irrigation needs.
• India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that the treaty would remain in "abeyance," signaling possible changes to existing agreements.
• Maintaining the treaty in abeyance does not imply ceasing water flow to Pakistan but indicates India may optimize its rights and usage of the Western Rivers under the treaty.

Proposed Renegotiation Considerations:

1. Grievance Redressal Mechanism:

   • Article IX of the treaty outlines a dispute resolution process which involves Pakistan using this framework to delay Indian projects. A restructured bilateral dispute resolution mechanism is suggested to prevent misuse.

2. Dam Construction Regulations:

   • The treaty’s prescriptive nature regarding dam construction does not account for technological advancements. Renegotiation should incorporate modern construction technologies and methodologies.

3. China’s Influence:

   • Concerns regarding Chinese dam-building initiatives on shared rivers, like the Brahmaputra, and their potential implications for India. Current assessments indicate no active Chinese projects on the Indus yet, but India must remain vigilant.

Broader Implications:

• The treaty's renegotiation could redefine water resource management in the region amidst political and environmental changes. India's position as an upper riparian state places it in a strategic position, yet it faces challenges related to diplomatic negotiations with Pakistan and potential conflicts with China over shared water resources.
• India’s responsibility as an upper riparian state has been consistent, with efforts directed towards international norms and treaty obligations.

Conclusion: The Indus Waters Treaty remains an essential component of India-Pakistan relations, and revisions are seen as vital to adapt to modern challenges. This could lead to enhanced cooperation or further tensions between the two nations, underscoring the delicate balance of water resource management in South Asia.

Important Points

• The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, distributing river waters between India and Pakistan.
• Reports of treaty discussions surfaced following the Pahalgam attack in April 2023.
• India has control over Eastern Rivers, while Pakistan has rights to the Western Rivers, with a significant water flow disparity.
• India is considering treaty renegotiation to reflect modern realities and technological advancements.
• The grievance redressal mechanism needs reforms to prevent misuse by Pakistan.
• Cooperation or tension dynamics with China over water resource management require careful navigation by India.
• The outcome of renegotiations could significantly influence India-Pakistan relations and regional water management strategies.

Summary of India's Commitment to the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy at the 78th World Health Assembly

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized its commitment to Traditional Medicine (TM) systems during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, aligning with the WHO's new Global Traditional Medicine Strategy for 2025–2034. This engagement comes amid a broader theme of “One World for Health,” underscoring the necessity of integrated healthcare approaches.

Key Highlights:

• Speaker and Representation:

  • Shri Arindam Bagchi, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, represented India at the WHA.

• Support for Global Traditional Medicine Strategy:

  • India welcomed the adoption of the new WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy for 2025–2034.
  • The country highlighted its initiatives towards embedding evidence-based traditional practices into both national and international health frameworks.

• India's Leadership:

  • The Prime Minister's leadership was mentioned as pivotal in implementing the previous WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy (2014–2023).
  • India aims to serve as a model for integrating modern medicine with traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Siddha.

• Establishment of WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre:

  • Established in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and launched in 2022, this is the first WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and is crucial for data analytics, policy support, and research.
  • The Centre was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

• Recent Developments:

  • A significant milestone was the signing of a Donor Agreement on May 24, 2025, between the Ministry of Ayush and WHO.
  • This agreement initiates work on a specific Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), aimed at enabling Ayush systems to gain global recognition.

• Statements from Officials:

  • Prime Minister Modi noted that the ICHI module would enhance the scientific credibility of Ayush systems on a global scale.
  • Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, affirmed India’s commitment to support WHO's goal of inclusive, safe, and evidence-based traditional healthcare.

• Focus on Global Health Principles:

  • The new WHO strategy calls for enhancing regulation in TM, integrating TM services appropriately, and promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity alongside indigenous knowledge.
  • India's initiatives align with these principles, reinforcing its status as a proactive partner in advancing traditional medicine globally.

• Support for Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • India remains dedicated to supporting WHO and other Member States in leveraging Traditional Medicine to achieve universal health coverage and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

In summary, India’s participation at the 78th World Health Assembly reflects a robust commitment to enhancing Traditional Medicine, promoting integrative healthcare solutions, and fostering international collaborations that align with global health initiatives. The strategic moves and collaborative frameworks mentioned will potentially advance the global understanding and credibility of Traditional Medicine practices.

Summary of the Article on Africa Day and India's Role in Digital Transformation

Africa Day, observed on May 25, commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 and represents the continent’s ongoing pursuit of unity, independence, and development. The African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) emphasizes the significance of digital innovation in driving socio-economic growth. In this context, India is recalibrating its development diplomacy in Africa, blending traditional state financing with innovative, socially embedded solutions.

Key Developments in India-Africa Digital Partnerships:

• India's Development Diplomacy: Emphasizes blending state-led financing with technical training and infrastructure projects enhanced by concessional credit.
• Social Enterprises: Increased participation of low-cost, high-impact social enterprises marks a shift toward inclusive partnerships.
• Historical Reference: Initiatives like the Pan-African e-Network (2009) have laid the groundwork for digital engagement, providing tele-medicine and tele-education through satellite and fibre-optic infrastructure.

Current Initiatives:

• Country Collaborations:
  • Togo (2021): MoU with IIT-B to implement a Modular Open-Source Identification Platform for national digital ID.
  • Zambia (2023): MoU with IIIT-B to scale the Smart Zambia Initiative for digital transformation.
  • Namibia (2024): Agreement with NPCI to develop a UPI-like payment system.
  • Ghana: Integration of its payment systems with India’s UPI for quicker transactions.

Comparative Analysis of Digital Diplomacy:

• India's Competitive Edge: Focuses on a digital public good model that is open-source, emphasizing public welfare rather than proprietary interests. This contrasts with partners like China, which often provides state-backed financing that may align with governmental needs, making it a preferred choice for some African nations.
• Competitive Landscape: India, the European Union, and the U.S. are all vying for influence in Africa, with India's DPI model standing out due to its affordability and scalability.

Educational and Infrastructure Initiatives:

• IIT Madras in Zanzibar: This campus serves as a strategic intervention, offering degrees in Data Science and AI, and aims to link technical capacity-building with socio-economic development by collaborating with Indian private sector partners.

Challenges and Solutions:

• Digital Divide: Africa faces significant challenges with a vast digital divide characterized by high costs of data and devices, rural-urban connectivity disparities, and gender gaps in access and literacy.
• Energy Demand: The advancement of digital infrastructure is contingent upon reliable energy supplies; addressing this will require coordinated investments in sustainable energy sources.

Progress and Fundamental Foundations:

• Approximately 85% of African nations have instituted national ID systems with digital capabilities, and over 70% are employing biometric data for authentication, which lays a strong foundation for developing interoperable public digital platforms.

Future Prospects:

• The establishment of a new India-Africa digital compact could foster digital inclusion. This framework would be built on principles of mutual respect, co-development, and sustainable long-term partnerships.

Important Sentences:

• Africa Day, observed on May 25, represents the continent’s pursuit of unity, independence, and development.
• The African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) prioritizes digital innovation for socio-economic growth.
• India is shifting its development approach in Africa to include more integrated, technology-driven partnerships.
• Landmark collaborations include the MoUs between India and Togo, Zambia, Namibia, and Ghana, focusing on digital infrastructure and payment systems.
• India's DPI model is framed as a digital public good, contrasting with more surveillance-driven approaches from other partners.
• The challenges of Africa's digital divide involve high costs, connectivity disparities, and energy supply issues.
• 85% of African nations now have digital ID systems, providing a foundation for digital governance and services.