The article outlines significant geopolitical changes and diplomatic developments affecting India and its relationships with the United States, China, and Pakistan during the year following Narendra Modi's third term commencing in June 2024.

Key Points:

• Geopolitical Landscape (June 2024)

  • Narendra Modi starts his third term as Prime Minister of India.
  • Joe Biden was projected to be in a tight re-election race with Donald Trump.
  • An ongoing border standoff with China continued for four years.
  • Sheikh Hasina held power in Bangladesh for 16 years.
  • In Pakistan, a new coalition government supported by the army was established.
  • Notably, there had been no major attacks from Pakistan-sponsored terrorists since February 2019.

• U.S.-India Relations under Trump

  • Donald Trump commenced his second term as President in January 2024.
  • His trade tariffs created disruptions globally, prompting India to negotiate a trade deal with the U.S.
  • Deportations of illegal immigrants, including a significant number of Indians, heightened tensions.
  • Over 330,000 Indian students in the U.S. faced increased scrutiny under Trump’s immigration policies.

• India-China Relations Improvement

  • After four and a half years of military confrontation, Indian and Chinese troops disengaged at two friction points in eastern Ladakh in October.
  • Modi and Xi Jinping initiated steps to restore normalcy, including facilitating the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, reinstating flights, and the sharing of vital cross-border river data.
  • Approximately 50,000 troops remained deployed along the borders, awaiting further de-escalation.

• Political Developments in Bangladesh

  • Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government collapsed amid protests in July-August 2024.
  • Hasina fled to India for refuge following her ousting.
  • An interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus has taken charge amidst rising tensions and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
  • India’s position towards this interim government is cautious, as it monitors the upcoming elections scheduled for April 2026.

• India-Pakistan Relations and Tensions

  • In response to a significant terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, India implemented a series of retaliatory measures including halting the Indus Waters Treaty and conducting military strikes on terrorist sites.
  • The military confrontation lasted four days, ended with a ceasefire, and demonstrated China's support for Pakistan.
  • India formalized a new approach towards Pakistan, pledging military responses for future terrorist acts.

• Broader Implications

  • The global political landscape has grown increasingly unstable due to Trump's presidency and his unpredictable foreign policy.
  • India now faces critical challenges posed by its traditional adversaries, China and Pakistan, while navigating shifting alliances and emerging powers in the region.

This summary encapsulates the major developments in India’s foreign relations and domestic political landscape alongside the shifting dynamics involving key global players like the United States and neighboring countries.

Important Sentences:

• Narendra Modi's third term began in June 2024, amidst significant geopolitical complexities.
• Joe Biden was projected to face Donald Trump in a competitive presidential race.
• A significant diplomatic thaw occurred between India and China, with troop disengagement in Ladakh.
• Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in Bangladesh after 16 years, fleeing to India.
• India responded heavily to a terror attack by implementing military actions against Pakistan.
• The geopolitical landscape is marred by uncertainties under Trump's administration, testing India’s diplomatic resilience.

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched ‘Operation Spiderweb’, executing drone strikes on Russian bases, an event that coincided with the preparatory phase for peace talks in Istanbul and a NATO summit in Vilnius. As the war enters its fourth year, the humanitarian and economic toll escalates alongside global demands for a diplomatic resolution. Central to this narrative are the revived peace discussions that have reopened channels for negotiation, although significant challenges remain in achieving a durable agreement.

Key Developments:

• Operation Spiderweb: Ukraine's targeted drone strikes are viewed as a tactical maneuver aimed at altering the conflict's dynamics just ahead of peace talks.
• Context of Peace Talks: Revived talks in Istanbul are marked by prisoner exchanges and drafts for ceasefire terms initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Initial discussions occurred on May 16 and June 1, 2025, yet stark divisions between Ukraine and Russia persist.
• Stalled Negotiations: Peace efforts faltered in 2022 after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opted against an agreement he deemed unfavorable, believing continued fighting could lead to NATO membership and support from Western nations.
• U.S. Role in Negotiations: Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration views the conflict as a complex issue, likening it to a proxy war. He and his allies have recently intensified shuttle diplomacy efforts with the ambition of establishing peace terms.

Proposed Framework by Trump:

• Key Points:
  • Ukraine will forgo NATO membership while gaining enhanced security guarantees.
  • A ceasefire and territorial concessions are outlined, with a frozen frontline proposed.
  • Sanctions against Russia would be eased upon achieving lasting peace, despite occupied territories remaining non-recognized.
• European Initiatives: The UK and France are leading discussions to create a 'reassurance force' for monitoring compliance with the proposed peace accord.
• Russia's Demands: Moscow insists on addressing fundamental wartime causes, including Ukrainian neutrality, a ban on NATO membership, and demilitarization, further complicating negotiations.

Strategic Implications:

• Nuclear Concerns: Trump proposed initiating discussions regarding nuclear disarmament with Russia and China amidst fears of nuclear escalation from the ongoing Ukraine conflict, linked to the looming expiration of the NEW START Treaty in 2026.
• Perception of the Conflict: Analysts express skepticism about the feasibility of peace, citing entrenched distrust and diverging narratives from the U.S., Europe, and Russia. The European Parliament identifies Russia as a 'state sponsor of terrorism', complicating diplomatic interactions, a designation rejected by Biden.

Military and Political Escalations:

• Operation Spiderweb: This operation indicates a potential escalation into broader conflict as Ukraine engages in deep strikes within Russia. These actions not only violate territorial integrity but heighten the risk of a retaliatory Russian response under its nuclear strategy.
• Continued Military Aggression: Russia has ramped up military operations with the aim of establishing a security buffer zone along its border, claiming that the rejection of proposed peace terms will lead to more severe consequences.

Conclusion:

As Ukraine aggressively pursues military objectives, the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough amid continued hostilities remains tenuous. The involvement of international actors presents a dual role—both as facilitators for peace and as entities potentially amplifying the conflict. Peace prospects hinge on the capacity for both sides to negotiate terms that can reconcile deeply opposing viewpoints, thereby paving the way for durable resolution amid a protracted and militarized stance from both nations.

Important Points:

• Operation Spiderweb signifies Ukraine's tactical escalation.
• Istanbul peace negotiations are characterized by severe divisions.
• Trump's administration is redefining peace terms, seeking to manage NATO and Russian dynamics.
• Nuclear escalation poses a critical risk, necessitating discussions on arms reduction.
• Military hostilities continue to rise despite peace initiatives, demonstrating the fragile nature of negotiations.

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, has catalyzed a significant military response known as Operation Sindoor. This development highlights the ongoing struggle against terrorism, particularly as countries in the Global South deal with these threats regularly. The attack, characterized by its audacity and brutality, provoked widespread public and political backlash in India, triggering a swift military operation that reaffirmed India’s proactive defense doctrine.

Key Points:

• Operation Sindoor: India’s immediate military response aimed at a swift and targeted campaign against terrorism in reaction to the Pahalgam attack.

• Global Reaction: Although major allies like the United States, France, and Israel offered their support, institutions such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) maintained a stance that prioritized restraint and dialogue, avoiding accountability for the attack. China aligned with Pakistan, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy.

• Challenges in International Counter-Terrorism: The current global counter-terrorism frameworks, including the UN, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and Global Counterterrorism Forum, are criticized for lacking efficacy. These frameworks struggle with geopolitical entanglements and often are perceived as primarily reflecting Western perspectives, thereby failing to address the unique realities faced by nations in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

• Proposal for T20 - Twenty Against Terrorism: In light of these challenges, a proposition for a new alliance termed the T20 is emerging. This coalition aims to unite 20 nations from the Global South, led by India, that confront terror threats characterized by asymmetry and political complexity. Countries proposed for inclusion are Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Mali, Fiji, and the Philippines, among others.

• Objectives of T20:

  • Intelligence Sharing: Establish collaboration on intelligence efforts via a joint task force.
  • Capacity Building: Implement programs focused on counter-radicalization.
  • Joint Diplomatic Statements: Develop collective responses to name and criticize state sponsors of terrorism.
  • Emerging Threats: Address challenges like cyber-terrorism, drone warfare, and crypto-financing of extremist activities.
  • The T20 would serve as an agile body to fill the institutional gaps left by existing global frameworks.

• Rationale for T20's Formation: The T20 initiative emphasizes inclusivity and greater representation for nations that frequently confront terrorism, thus fostering a platform that addresses their concerns and shares their experiences.

• Strategic Benefits for India: Establishing the T20 would enhance India's leadership stature and solidify its role as a representative of the Global South, without engaging in military entanglements. India's extensive experience with terrorism positions it well to spearhead this initiative, allowing it to construct an influential narrative around global counter-terrorism efforts from New Delhi.

• Deeper Implications: The Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor signify that reactive military strikes are insufficient in the long-term struggle against terrorism. It calls for a shift towards creating a permanent institutional structure that addresses terrorism in a comprehensive and proactive manner.

In summation, the idea of T20 is not just a strategic response to a single incident but a recognition of the broader, systemic issues in how global counter-terrorism is managed, particularly in representing and responding to the needs of the Global South. As the landscape of international relations continues to evolve amidst rising threats, the initiative underscores the necessity for a collaborative approach to fighting terrorism at a global level.

Summary of the News Article

Event & Context:

• On June 10, 2025, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed shock regarding the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) decision to appoint Pakistan as the vice-chair of its counter-terrorism committee. Singh highlighted concerns about Pakistan's history of harboring terrorism, particularly its sheltering of terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar.

Statements from Defence Minister:

• Singh noted that the UNSC committee was established post-9/11, following the terror attacks in the United States, and questioned the credibility of Pakistan in leading efforts against global terrorism given that it has been a refuge for terrorists.
• He criticized the UNSC for its decision and urged international organizations, including the UN, to seriously address terrorism and its implications on global peace, progress, and prosperity.
• Singh contended that the rulers in Pakistan led the nation toward destruction while he suggested that the common people share a desire for peace.

Call for Action:

• The Defence Minister called for an end to foreign funding to Pakistan, arguing that such support contributes to the growth of terrorism infrastructure. He urged for strategic, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Pakistan to combat terrorism effectively.

Reflections on National Security:

• Singh emphasized a significant shift in India's national security approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over the past 11 years. He referenced Operation Sindoor and the removal of special status in Jammu and Kashmir as pivotal moments pointing to India’s proactive stance on its security.
• He claimed that despite challenges from Pakistan, development in Jammu and Kashmir continued, citing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link as a notable achievement.

Defence Sector Growth:

• The Defence Minister discussed the robust growth of India’s domestic defense sector, stating that the defense budget increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.22 lakh crore in 2024-25, with a focus on capital procurement from domestic companies.
• He highlighted advancements in indigenous defense production, mentioning over 5,500 items listed for indigenization, and described the development of missiles and aircraft carriers as a demonstration of India's defense capabilities.

Economic Indicators:

• Annual defense production surged from approximately ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1.30 lakh crore. Furthermore, defence exports increased from ₹686 crore in 2014 to ₹23,622 crore in 2024-25.
• Looking ahead, Singh set ambitious targets for defense production, aiming for ₹1.75 lakh crore within the year and ₹3 lakh crore by 2029, alongside defense export targets of ₹30,000 crore and ₹50,000 crore for the same timelines.

Information Warfare:

• Singh expressed concerns over misinformation, urging citizens to act as “social soldiers” in combatting false information spread through fake videos and manipulated news.
• He emphasized the responsibility of the media to prioritize the accuracy of reporting, labeling journalism as a national duty integral to informing and defending the nation’s security.

Key Points:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized the UNSC's appointment of Pakistan to its counter-terrorism committee.
• Concerns raised over Pakistan's history as a haven for terrorists and the implications for global peace.
• Urgent calls to the international community to cease funding to Pakistan and exert pressure on Islamabad regarding terrorism.
• Significant growth in India’s defense budget and production capabilities highlighted, with ambitious future targets set.
• Singh's remarks on misinformation warfare reflect the need for awareness and responsible media practices.

On April 3, 1984, Rakesh Sharma, an Indian Air Force officer, became the first Indian citizen to travel to space aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Soviet Kazakhstan. His voyage marked a significant landmark in the history of India-Soviet relations and was part of the Soviet Interkosmos program designed to enhance cooperative relationships through joint space ventures.

Key Facts:

• Mission Context: Sharma's mission was pivotal in the backdrop of the 1960s-1980s Cold War dynamics, during which India gravitated towards the Soviet Union. The Interkosmos initiative sent 17 non-Soviet astronauts/ cosmonauts into space between 1978 and 1991.

• Selection & Training: In 1980, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev proposed a joint space mission to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which was officially confirmed a year later. The selection of Rakesh Sharma and fellow IAF pilot Ravish Malhotra for the mission was entrusted to the Indian Air Force, leading to their rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, near Moscow, starting September 1982.

• Launch and Voyage: The Soyuz T-11 lifted off at 6:38 PM IST on April 3, 1984, making Sharma the 138th individual to enter space and India the 14th nation to send a person into space. The craft docked with the Salyut 7 space station approximately 25 hours later.

• Duration in Space: The crew spent a week conducting various scientific experiments, including the "Terra experiment," which involved photographing India's geographical resources to assist in resource management and environmental studies. Other experiments focused on understanding microgravity's effects on materials and human physiology, including a unique study assessing yoga's impact on acclimatization to weightlessness.

• Symbolic Significance: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi hailed the mission as a proof of constructive cooperation between India and the USSR. The journey was also filled with symbolic gestures, such as taking soil from Raj Ghat and Indian foods for consumption, emphasizing national pride amidst an evolving Indian space program.

• Historical Impact: Despite limited direct benefits for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at that time, Rakesh Sharma's journey served as an inspirational moment for millions of Indians, symbolizing national identity and the potential for future advancements in science and technology.

• Return to Earth: The crew returned safely to Earth on April 11, 1984. During his time in space, Sharma made a notable televised interaction with Prime Minister Gandhi, famously declaring India's beauty from space as "Sare jahan se achcha" (better than the entire world), echoing a line from Iqbal's patriotic poem.

In summary, Rakesh Sharma’s space mission stands as a significant milestone not just in the context of India's growing collaboration with the Soviet Union during the Cold War but also as an emblem of national achievement and inspiration, laying the groundwork for future endeavors in the Indian space program.

Important Points:

• Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space on April 3, 1984.
• The mission was part of the Soviet Interkosmos program for international space cooperation.
• Training was conducted at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
• The Soyuz T-11 spacecraft lifted off at 6:38 PM IST.
• Sharma's crew conducted various scientific experiments, including a unique study on yoga and its effects in space.
• The mission boosted Indo-Soviet relations and evoked national pride in India.
• Returns to Earth were completed on April 11, 1984, making it a week-long mission.

On June 10, 2025, Russia executed its largest drone attack on Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, launching nearly 500 drones alongside 20 missiles over the night. This assault primarily targeted Ukraine's central and western regions, as the Kremlin intensifies its offensive efforts amid ongoing peace negotiations that have yet to yield tangible results. Key developments in this situation include:

• Drone and Missile Attacks: The Ukrainian Air Force reported that they intercepted and destroyed 277 drones and 19 missiles. Only 10 of the attacking drones and missiles succeeded in striking their targets, with one person sustaining injuries. Ukraine's comprehensive air defense system has been under strain as battles intensify along the 1,000-kilometer front line.

• Ongoing Conflict: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the difficult situation on the front lines, noting that Ukraine is experiencing resource constraints and requires increased military aid from Western allies, especially for air defense systems. The uncertainty surrounding U.S. support has raised concerns in Kyiv regarding future assistance.

• Ukrainian Counterattacks: Despite Russian assaults, Ukraine has demonstrated effective counterattacks, including a recent drone operation that targeted Russian air bases deep within Russian territory. Ukrainian forces claimed to have successfully struck two Russian fighter jets at Savasleyka airfield in Nizhny Novgorod, although Russian sources disputed these claims.

• Prisoner Exchange Initiatives: Amidst escalating violence, both nations have engaged in prisoner swaps, which serve as a rare highlight of cooperation. The latest exchange involves wounded soldiers and personnel younger than 25, although specific numbers for the exchanges were not disclosed. Zelenskyy described the process as complex, with negotiations ongoing almost daily.

• Peace Talks: Recent peace talks in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations have not produced breakthroughs, aside from agreements regarding prisoner exchanges. President Putin has conveyed his intention to persist with military operations until Russia’s demands are satisfied.

• Human Impact: The emotional toll on families of soldiers is significant, with relatives anxiously awaiting news outside hospitals as soldiers return. Many witnesses expressed mixed emotions of joy and fatigue as they welcomed home their loved ones.

In summary, the situation remains tense and precarious, with decisive military actions from both sides, ongoing humanitarian concerns, and stalled political negotiations. The international community continues to watch closely as developments unfold.

Key Points:

• Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine with approximately 500 drones and 20 missiles on June 10, 2025.
• Ukraine reported intercepting 277 drones and 19 missiles, with only minor damage caused.
• President Zelenskyy indicated a critical need for increased military support from Western nations, amidst uncertainty about U.S. involvement.
• Ukraine has launched successful counterattacks, including a strike on Russian airbases.
• Recent peace talks have yielded minimal results, mostly focusing on prisoner swaps.
• The humanitarian impact is significant, with families gathering anxiously for news of returning soldiers.

Summary of Ukraine-Russia Conflict and Peace Talks Developments

On May 14, 2023, Ukraine executed a significant drone attack on Russian air assets, marking a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict just a day before the second round of peace talks in Istanbul. This attack was unprecedented in scale, targeting at least five Russian airfields deep within Russian territory, including locations in Siberia.

Key Developments

• Negotiation Status: The peace talks held in Istanbul ended after only one hour with both parties agreeing to the exchange of thousands of dead and wounded soldiers. However, no substantial progress towards a ceasefire was made, mirroring the outcome of the first round of talks in mid-May.
• Drone Attack Details:
  • This incident marked the first large-scale UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) assault on Russian military infrastructure, indicating Ukraine's growing capabilities.
  • The Ukrainian attacks raised significant concerns for Russia, especially if any targeted sites housed nuclear-related facilities.
  • The method of drone deployment involved long-range trucking systems previously used for cargo, reflecting innovative military tactics.

Implications of the Drone Attack

• Russia's Response: The Kremlin is likely to investigate the extent of NATO's involvement, particularly regarding navigational support provided by U.S. satellites. Russian officials may question whether the attack was a spontaneous act by Ukraine or a calculated maneuver influenced by NATO.
• Political Impact on President Putin: Despite the strategic concerns, Putin's political standing appears stable amidst ongoing support, despite the revelation of vulnerability to attacks on Russian territory.

Goals for Ceasefire Talks

• Ukrainian Position: Ukraine demands a month-long ceasefire as a prerequisite for further negotiations. This position has received backing from most Western nations, with the exception of the U.S.
• Russian Stance: Russia is open to a ceasefire but insists on a defined roadmap involving discussions on Ukraine's neutrality and protections for the Russian-speaking population. They are hesitant to cease operations while they hold the initiative on the ground.
• Negotiation Dynamics: The potential for a ceasefire remains limited as both sides are entrenched in their positions. Russia is seeking to solidify territorial gains, while Ukraine aims to regroup and bolster its fighting capability.

Leadership in Negotiations

• Russian Delegation: Led by Vladimir Medinsky, a former Cultural Minister, the team comprises members from security services and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Ukrainian Delegation: Headed by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, this group endeavors to bridge gaps and formulate mutually acceptable terms for presentation to the respective heads of state, President Putin and President Zelenskyy.

Strategic Considerations

• Military Situation: The balance is slowly tilting in favor of Russia on the ground, with ongoing territorial advancements amidst Ukrainian attempts to maintain their positions.
• Pressure from the United States: Both Russia and Ukraine are under pressure from the U.S. to expedite negotiations, although both parties remain firm with their strategic red lines.

Conclusion

The recent drone attacks encapsulate the complexity of military strategies employed by Ukraine and the simultaneous urgency for both sides to engage in effective negotiations. However, fundamental disagreements remain a hurdle in achieving lasting peace.

Important Points:

• Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russian airfields on May 14, 2023.
• Peace talks in Istanbul ended without progress on a ceasefire.
• The drone attacks raised concerns about targeting of nuclear-related facilities in Russia.
• Both parties maintain entrenched positions regarding ceasefire conditions.
• The U.S. maintains pressure on both Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace agreement.