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Moscow/New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin is arriving in India on a two-day visit for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. He will land in New Delhi on Thursday evening and hold a high-level bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which key defence and strategic agreements are expected to be finalised. Ahead of his arrival, President Putin gave an exclusive interview to India Today, scheduled for broadcast Thursday evening. In the interview, Putin described India–Russia ties as a relationship built on deep trust, adding that he values India not merely as an economic partner but as a nation with which Russia shares strong personal and civilisational bonds. Putin also expressed special happiness and enthusiasm about meeting Prime Minister Modi, highlighting...

Islamabad: For the past week, speculation and rumours about the possible death of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently lodged in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, have dominated both traditional and social media. The rumours intensified after authorities abruptly suspended meetings with him, prompting his family and PTI leaders to gather outside the prison and accuse the army establishment of foul play. Although Imran Khan’s sister has now met him—temporarily calming the storm of rumours—the political turbulence in Pakistan is far from over. Experts warn that Pakistan’s current Army Chief, General Asim Munir, cannot risk harming Imran Khan under the prevailing political climate. Any such move, they say, could unleash consequences that the state would be unable to control....

Pakistan is facing one of the gravest internal security crises in its history. Separatist movements in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are gaining unprecedented momentum, terror attacks have surged sharply, and the rift between the military and the civilian government has further destabilized the nation. The growing unrest has sparked a serious debate: Which province will secede first—Balochistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? Escalating Terror: Pakistan’s Security Meltdown According to the annual security report by Islamabad-based think tank CRSS, between January and September 2025: 2,414 people were killed in various terror attacks A 58% rise compared to the same period in 2024 (1,527 deaths) In just July–September, 901 deaths and 599 injuries were recorded Over 96% of...

Brasília: The tragic crash of India’s Tejas fighter jet during the Dubai Airshow last month—an incident that claimed the life of pilot Namansh Syal—was viewed by many as a setback for India’s defence aviation ambitions. The Tejas Mk-1 aircraft plunged to the ground on 21 November during an aerobatic manoeuvre, erupting into flames and raising concerns about international perception. However, contrary to initial apprehensions, global defence experts continue to express strong confidence in the Tejas programme. According to a report by IDRW, leading Brazilian analyst Patrícia Marins has advocated for sustained investment in Tejas despite the crash, emphasising that the aircraft holds significant promise for the future. “Tejas Will Hold Its Own in Future Air Combat” — Expert Patrícia...

Islamabad: Despite its fragile economic condition, Pakistan continues to prioritise military expansion, particularly strengthening its naval capabilities. In a significant development, the Pakistan Navy announced on 25 November the successful test of a new supersonic anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) named SMASH, a move that has caught global attention. According to the Navy, SMASH is capable of striking targets up to 350 kilometres away and can be launched from Zulfiqar-class (F-22P) frigates. Defence experts say the test indicates a strategic shift under Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—away from nuclear stockpiling and towards advanced missile production. Analysts believe the change in strategy has been influenced significantly by the aftermath of Operati...

In a major diplomatic development just days before President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to New Delhi on December 4–5, the Russian State Duma has approved a crucial military cooperation agreement with India. The approval strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations at a time of shifting global geopolitical dynamics. Agreement Sent for Approval Last Week The pact, Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS), was originally signed by both countries on February 18. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin forwarded the document to the State Duma for approval last week, which has now been granted without opposition. During the session, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin lauded India and underscored the importance of deepening bilateral relations. “Our ties...

The constitutional amendment in Pakistan may have cleared the path for Army Chief General Asim Munir to become the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), but the powerful Sharif family appears unwilling to let that happen. The decision on Munir’s elevation has been delayed repeatedly, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s unexpected diversion to Lahore after returning from London has triggered fresh speculation. Shehbaz’s Flight Diverted — A Political Signal? ISLAMABAD: The appointment of General Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first CDF continues to hang in the balance. Hours after landing in Pakistan from his London visit, PM Shehbaz Sharif’s aircraft—expected to arrive in Islamabad—was redirected to Lahore on Tuesday. The sudden change of destination instantly activated intellig...

Islamabad: Speculation continues to mount over the wellbeing of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been detained in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, for over a month and a half. No information about his condition has been officially shared, and his family has been denied access. Khan’s sons, Qasim and Suleman, have voiced deep concerns, suggesting that authorities may be hiding something “irreversible” about their father’s situation. The fear comes amid circulating rumors, including on Afghan social media accounts, suggesting possible foul play during his detention. According to Reuters, Khan’s family has had no direct or official contact with him, despite weekly court orders mandating family access. His former wife and mother of his children, Jemima Goldsmith, claimed on X ...

Islamabad/Kabul: Efforts to ease tensions between Afghanistan’s Taliban and Pakistan appear to be faltering. A Taliban delegation sent to Saudi Arabia for high-level talks returned without any agreement, raising concerns of renewed hostilities along the border. The delegation, which included Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Najib, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Kahar Balkhi, and senior Taliban leader Anas Haqqani, met officials in Riyadh as Saudi Arabia attempted to mediate peace between the two sides. However, the meeting concluded without a breakthrough. This follows earlier rounds of discussions in Istanbul, Turkey, which also ended unsuccessfully. In previous talks hosted by Qatar and Turkey, three rounds of negotiations took place, including one in Doha where a temporar...

Dhaka: The main opposition in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has expressed its gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he extended his support for the health of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the deteriorating health of the former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and offered assistance. Khaleda Zia has been hospitalized since 23 November due to a severe lung infection, and her condition remains critical. PM Modi Offers AssistanceIn a post on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “I am deeply concerned to hear about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed significantly to public life in Bangladesh over many years. Our heartfelt prayers and best wishes are with her for a speedy recovery...