LEONID SLUTSKY FOREIGN AFFAIRS

LeT-Jaish terrorists from Pakistan may use Nepal as transit to enter India
A high-level seminar in Kathmandu addressed terrorism challenges in South Asia, highlighting threats from groups like LeT and JeM operating from Pakistan. Speakers emphasized the need for regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and avoiding double standards in counter-terrorism. The seminar underscored Nepal's vulnerability and the broader impact of terrorism on regional peace and economic integration.

Russia says it has evidence Ukraine has repeatedly used anti-personnel landmines
Russia alleges that Ukraine is using anti-personnel mines against civilians. Ukraine is withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. Kyiv cites Russian military tactics as the reason. Russia is not a party to the treaty. Lithuania and Finland may start producing landmines next year. They cite the threat from Russia. Russia dismisses claims of attacking NATO as nonsense.

Saudi Arabia to open real estate market to foreign buyers from 2026
Saudi Arabia will permit non-Saudis to purchase real estate in specified zones, including Riyadh and Jeddah, starting January 2026. This initiative, approved by the Saudi Cabinet, aims to attract foreign investment and boost the non-oil economy. The Real Estate General Authority will define eligible areas and release detailed regulations within 180 days, fostering international participation while safeguarding Saudi interests.

PM Modi conferred with Brazil's highest civilian award
Narendra Modi received Brazil's highest civilian honor, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva presented the award. It recognized Modi's work in strengthening India-Brazil relations. Modi expressed gratitude for the honor. He acknowledged Lula's role in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

CBI takes custody of economic offender Monika Kapoor in the USA
Monika Kapoor's long evasion from the law concludes as CBI brings her back from the USA. She is accused of economic offenses. Kapoor allegedly forged documents for her jewellery business with her brothers. This led to a loss of over USD 679000 to the Indian government. India requested her extradition in 2010, leading to her return now.

India abstains from UN vote on Afghanistan, calls out terror groups exploiting Afghan soil
India abstained from a UN resolution concerning Afghanistan, citing concerns over terrorism and inclusive governance. The resolution, adopted with 116 votes, urges the Taliban to reverse repressive policies and prevent terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed from exploiting Afghan territory. India's envoy emphasized the need to stop regional sponsors facilitating terrorist operations, referencing Pakistan's role.
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Mass layoffs at Veteran Affairs dept soon? Thousands of jobs to be shed by end of this fiscal year
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday reversed course on its previously announced plans of reduction in force. The agency said department will lose 30,000' people through resignation and early retirement by October 2025. Earlier, pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Veterans Affairs department had planned to cut jobs of more than 80,000 employees.
Bengal, Odisha failed to act against illegal NRI quota admissions in pvt medical colleges: ED
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) revealed that West Bengal and Odisha authorities neglected to act on fraudulent NRI quota admissions in private medical colleges, despite MEA warnings. Investigations uncovered collusion between colleges and agents to fabricate NRI documents. The ED has seized evidence and attached assets worth crores, alleging that colleges paid commissions for these illegal admissions, circumventing Supreme Court guidelines.
EAM Jaishankar meets counterparts from Russia, Iran, Mexico on sidelines of BRICS Summit
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Russia, Iran, and Mexico on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The discussions encompassed cooperation, regional developments, and global issues like West Asia, SCO, health, digital advancement, technology and space.
China protests to India over PM Modi's greetings to Dalai Lama on his birthday
China has lodged a protest with India following Prime Minister Modi's birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama and the presence of Indian officials at the celebrations. Beijing views the Dalai Lama as a separatist seeking to divide Tibet and urges India to respect its sensitivities on Tibet-related issues. China insists India should avoid interference in its internal affairs.
Bilawal Bhutto’s offer to extradite Hafiz Saeed to India ignites internal conflict in Pakistan
Talha Saeed, son of Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed, has condemned Bilawal Bhutto's comments on extraditing terrorists to India. He termed Bhutto's offer as irresponsible. LeT-linked groups also rejected Bhutto's position. Experts view Bhutto's statement as lacking official backing and credibility. They suggest it might be a diplomatic signal or a distraction tactic by Pakistan.
Analysts see sustained FPI inflows, await clarity on tariffs and global rate cuts
The auto sector in India attracted significant foreign investment in late June. This surge followed earlier outflows. Other sectors like oil & gas and financials also saw increased investment. Telecommunication and IT sectors experienced fund infusions too. Analysts anticipate continued foreign inflows. Tariff outcomes and global rate cuts will influence future investment trends. Sector-specific and valuation-driven approaches are expected.
UAE expresses solidarity with US after Texas flash floods kill over 60, including children
The UAE has expressed solidarity with the United States following the devastating floods in Texas, which have claimed at least 69 lives, including 21 children. The UAE offered condolences to the victims' families and support for those affected by the "heartbreaking destruction." Search efforts continue for 41 missing individuals, including 11 girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic.
Senior US official meets Dalai Lama in Dharamshala: Embassy
A senior US official, Bethany Poulos Morrison, met the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala during his 90th birthday celebration, reaffirming US support for Tibetan freedom. Political leaders from India and abroad joined the celebration, backing the Dalai Lama's fight for Tibetan rights. Morrison's visit underscores the US-India strategic partnership and her role in overseeing relations with India and Bhutan.
Eighteen Bangladeshis pushed back from Assam without legal process, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the pushback of eighteen undocumented Bangladeshis from the Cachar and Sribhumi districts. Sarma stated that this pushback is now a daily and institutionalized practice to combat infiltration. Instead of legal proceedings, individuals attempting to enter illegally are intercepted and pushed back across the border.
PM Modi becomes first foreign leader to be honored with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Receives 25th honour by a country
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation's highest honor, becoming the first foreign leader to achieve this recognition. This marks his 25th international honor, awarded for his global leadership, engagement with the Indian diaspora, and humanitarian work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moscow's Kabul push to create space for India
India-Kabul ties have been improving. Russia's recognition may help India. It could allow India to balance regional strategy. India has resumed visa services for Afghans. Jaishankar thanked Muttaqi for condemning the Kashmir attack. The Taliban wants to use INSTC and Chabahar for trade.
Jaishankar on 3-day China visit from July 13 for SCO meet
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit China for three days starting July 13. He will attend bilateral meetings in Beijing and the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Tianjin. This visit precedes the SCO Summit in September, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited. Following Jaishankar's visit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit India.
S Jaishankar set to visit China for SCO meet, his first since 2020 military standoff
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to visit China around July 13 for an SCO conclave, marking his first trip since the 2020 Ladakh standoff. He is expected to meet his counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing before the Tianjin meeting.
China fears US will turn focus on it if Russia suffers defeat in Ukraine war: Report
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told EU leaders that Beijing doesn't want Russia to lose its war in Ukraine, fearing the US would then focus entirely on China. This admission surprised EU officials. Wang denied materially supporting Russia's war effort but warned of retaliation if the EU blacklists Chinese banks for violating sanctions.
India does not take position on faith and religion: MEA on Dalai Lama's successor
The Indian government has refrained from commenting on the Dalai Lama's statement regarding the recognition of his future reincarnation, emphasizing its commitment to religious freedom for all.
China urges India to act cautiously on Tibet related issues after Rijiju's remarks over the Dalai Lama's incarnation
China has voiced its opposition to Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju's statement regarding the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, emphasizing that it should be a personal decision. China urges India to exercise caution on Tibet-related matters to avoid hindering the progress of bilateral relations. They insist that the selection of the Dalai Lama's successor must adhere to Chinese laws and historical conventions.
India refutes claims about White House denying Jaishankar's request to meet Trump
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed as "fake news" claims that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's request to meet former US President Donald Trump was denied. During his US visit from June 30 to July 2, Jaishankar engaged in several high-level meetings, including the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, and discussions on security, technology, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
'Parliament is not a museum': Congress MP Manickam Tagore slams PM Modi Centre over nameplate installation
Congress MP Manickam Tagore has strongly criticized the central government for allegedly bypassing parliamentary procedures and undermining democratic norms. This criticism follows the installation of a nameplate on the new Parliament building.
Jaishankar meets with FBI Director Kash Patel; appreciates India-US cooperation in countering terrorism
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged with top US officials in Washington DC, focusing on strengthening cooperation across various sectors. Discussions spanned countering organized crime and terrorism with the FBI, energy partnership, and advancing the India-US defense partnership. He also participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, emphasizing strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Earth is rotating faster, say scientists: What it means and should you worry?
Earth's rotation is speeding up, causing days to shorten by a fraction of a second since 2020. Scientists predict that a leap second might need to be removed in 2029 to align clocks with the planet's faster spin. While the cause remains unclear, researchers are exploring factors within the Earth's core, though this change is not a cause for concern.
Why Australia issued a Thailand travel warning; what tourists need to know about the bomb scare in Phuket
Australia has cautioned its citizens planning to visit Thailand. This follows the discovery of bombs in popular tourist spots like Phuket and Krabi. Thai authorities have arrested two individuals linked to a separatist movement. While officials downplay the threat, Australians are advised to be vigilant. They should avoid demonstrations and crowded places. The southern provinces bordering Malaysia remain high-risk zones.
India expect Quad partners to understand its position on terrorism: EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted that victims and perpetrators of terrorism should never be equated, emphasizing India's right to defend its people. He conveyed this message to Quad partners, urging zero tolerance for terrorism, particularly after the Pahalgam attack.
EAM Jaishankar to visit US from June 30–July 2; to attend Quad Foreign Ministers’ meet on July 1
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar will visit the United States from June 30 to July 2, 2025, to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the meeting will focus on Quad initiatives and Indo-Pacific developments. Dr. Jaishankar will also inaugurate an exhibition at the UN Headquarters highlighting the human cost of terrorism.
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