1. No talks scheduled between DGMOs of India, Pakistan; no expiry date to ceasefire, says Indian Army
2. India tightens trade with Bangladesh: $770 million imports now restricted
3. India Launches Global Diplomatic Push with 7 All-Party Delegations to 32 Countries
4. EAM Jaishankar’s Strategic Visits to Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from Mon
5. Ajit Doval, Iran’s Top Security Official Hold Talks On Chabahar Port, Regional Cooperation

What Else

1. India to apprise FATF of the latest evidence on terror infrastructure in Pakistan
2. Post Op Sindoor, Alleged ISI Espionage Cases in India
3. Armenia shifts arms deals from Russia to India and France
4. Turkey’s Erdogan Rakes Up Kashmir Issue After Talks With Pakistan PM, Offers Assistance
5. In nuclear energy push, Govt to allow private operators, limit their liability
6. Tragedy in Hyderabad: 17 Killed in Gulzar Houz Fire
7. MEA clarifies Rahul’s ‘Pak Informed’ post on Op Sindoor as fabrication of facts
8. Ashoka University professor Mahmudabad arrested for controversial remarks on Operation Sindoor
9. ‘In wake of Pak-India conflict’: Pak FM to hold talks with China, Afghanistan
10. Pakistan also, announces own global outreach for ‘image makeover’
11. Top LeT terrorist Abu Safiullah, brain behind 3 attacks in India, killed in Pak
12. IMF imposes 11 new conditions on Pakistan for its bailout programme, warns it against risks: Report
13. Pakistan says it would respond to any ‘aggression’ from India
14. Pakistan: DG ISPR warns India of long-term consequences if it attempts to block Pakistan’s water
15. Pakistan: At least four killed in explosion near FC fort in Qila Abdullah
16. Bangladesh: Interim govt has no authority to decide on corridor, port: Tarique
17. Bangladesh: Humanitarian corridor, Chattogram port issues: CPB calls countrywide protest progs
18. Nepal Anti-Graft Body Investigates Ramdev’s Land Deal

No talks scheduled between DGMOs of India, Pakistan; no expiry date to ceasefire, says Indian Army

• The Indian Army clarified that there are no scheduled talks between India and Pakistan’s Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs).
• The ceasefire agreement between the two countries, reached on May 12, has no expiry date.
• This clarification comes after some media reports suggested the ceasefire would end on May 18
• Key points from the DGMO-level talks on May 12 include:
• Ceasefire Agreement: Both sides agreed to cease hostilities and not initiate any aggressive action.
• Troop Reduction: Immediate measures will be taken to reduce troops along the borders and forward areas.
• Communication: The DGMOs will maintain communication to ensure the ceasefire holds.
• The ceasefire follows India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
• The Indian Army emphasized that the break in hostilities will continue with no specified end date. (more)
• Def Min Rajnath Singh recently stated that Operation Sindoor is not yet over, warning Pakistan that the actions taken so far are just a “trailer” and India will show the “full picture” if needed.
• Singh emphasized that India’s fight against terrorism is now part of its national defence doctrine, and the country will root out hybrid and proxy warfare.
• He also called upon the International Monetary Fund to reconsider providing financial assistance to Pakistan, suggesting that the aid could be used to fund terror infrastructure. (more)

India tightens trade with Bangladesh: $770 million imports now restricted

• India has imposed new restrictions on imports from Bangladesh, impacting goods worth $770 million, which accounts for 42% of total bilateral imports.
• The restrictions, announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, limit imports of ready-made garments, processed foods, and plastic items to select sea ports, barring them from land routes.
• Garments, worth $618 million in annual imports, can only be imported through the Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports.
• This move is seen as retaliatory, responding to Bangladesh’s recent trade barriers on Indian exports and its diplomatic pivot towards China.
• Bangladesh had imposed curbs on Indian exports, including a ban on Indian yarn imports and tighter regulations on rice shipments.
• The restrictions also coincide with worsening diplomatic ties, particularly after Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus’s comments on India’s northeastern states sparked criticism in New Delhi (more)

India Launches Global Diplomatic Push with 7 All-Party Delegations to 32 Countries

• The Indian govt has launched a diplomatic outreach initiative, Operation Sindoor, in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
• 7 all-party delegations, comprising 59 leaders from various parties, will visit 32 countries, including the EU headquarters in Brussels.
• Each delegation will have 7-8 members, including politicians and former diplomats, with at least one Muslim representation in each group.
• The delegations will convey India’s stance on zero-tolerance towards terrorism and highlight the details of Operation Sindoor.
• The countries to be visited include key nations in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
• The initiative aims to build international support for India’s position on terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts.
• The delegations will be led by prominent politicians, including BJP MPs Baijayant Panda and Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, among others. (more)

EAM Jaishankar’s Strategic Visits to Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from Mon

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visits to these 3 countries are driven by several key factors:
• Netherlands: Strengthening International Cooperation
• Netherlands hosts key international organizations like the ICJ and ICC, allowing India to reaffirm its commitment to global norms and address Pakistan’s potential legal actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.
• Germany: Advancing EU Relations and Trade
• As the EU’s largest economy, Germany plays a crucial role in India’s efforts to finalize significant Free Trade Agreement discussions with the EU.
• Denmark: Fostering Multi-Lateral Ties and Democratic Values
• Denmark serves as a vital bridge to multilateral institutions and value-based Western democracies, further solidifying India’s partnerships in these areas.
• Jaishankar’s meetings with the leadership of these countries will cover a range of issues, including:
• Bilateral Relations: Enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, renewable energy, innovation, and people-to-people ties
• Regional and Global Matters: Discussing geopolitical developments, economic challenges, and coordination on multilateral platforms
• Operation Sindoor: Briefing counterparts on India’s actions post-Pahalgam terror attack and garnering support from these nations that have expressed solidarity with India
• This visit underscores India’s efforts to deepen strategic engagement with key European partners. (more)

Ajit Doval, Iran’s Top Security Official Hold Talks On Chabahar Port, Regional Cooperation

• National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing key infrastructure projects.
• Doval praised Iran’s constructive regional role and emphasized India’s interest in expanding cooperation, particularly in developing Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• This is significant as Chabahar Port provides India with an alternative route to access Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
• INSTC is a 7,200-km multimodal transportation route connecting India, Iran, and Russia, reducing transportation time and costs.
•  The development of these projects can enhance trade, economic ties, and regional stability, while also serving as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• Both nations highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation for regional peace and stability, underscoring the strategic importance of their relationship. (more)

India to apprise FATF of the latest evidence on terror infrastructure in Pakistan

• India plans to present evidence to the Financial Action Task Force about terror bases in Pakistan that were destroyed during Operation Sindoor, following the Pahalgam terror attack.
• The government aims to highlight Pakistan’s alleged support for banned terrorist organizations at international forums.
• Pakistan was previously removed from the FATF Grey List in Oct 2022 but had to work on improving its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems.
• India will also send multi-party delegations to various countries, including the US, UK, and UAE, to showcase its stance on cross-border terrorism and garner international support. (more)
• Given these concerns, it’s unlikely that FATF is unaware of Pakistan’s actions in supporting terrorism.
• Instead, the organization continues to ‘monitor’ Pakistan’s progress and encourages the country to take more decisive action against terrorist groups and their financing.

Post Op Sindoor, Alleged ISI Espionage Cases in India

• Satyendra Siwal (Moscow-based Security Assistant); Arrested on May 18: Siwal, a security assistant at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, was arrested for allegedly working as a Pakistani ISI agent.
• He had access to sensitive information regarding the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments.
• Shahzad (Tanda Resident), Arrested on May 18: Shahzad, a resident of Tanda, was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) for alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling and espionage activities for the ISI.  (more)
• He had traveled to Pakistan multiple times and was smuggling cosmetics, clothes, spices, and other items across the border.
• Devendra Singh Dhillon (Haryana Student); Arrested on May 12: Devendra, a student from Haryana, was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with ISI officers after traveling to Pakistan through the Kartarpur corridor.
• Jyoti Malhotra (Haryana-based Travel Vlogger): Jyoti, a Haryana-based travel vlogger, was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan.
• She shared sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, visited Pakistan multiple times on sponsored trips, and attended an Iftar dinner at the Pakistan High Commission in India.
• A case has been registered under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
• These cases highlight the ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to combat espionage and intelligence gathering activities linked to Pakistan’s ISI (more)

Armenia shifts arms deals from Russia to India and France

• Armenia has shifted its arms imports from Russia to other countries, primarily India and France.
• After signing a $400 mn defense contract with Moscow in 2021, Armenia has yet to fully realize it.
• Instead, Yerevan allocated larger sums to acquire military equipment from India and France.
• In 2022-2023, Armenia signed defense contracts with India worth over $1.5 billion, acquiring Pinaka missile systems, ATAGS artillery systems, and Akash air defense systems.
• France emerged as a key partner, with contracts worth $250 million for Ground Master 200 radars, Mistral air defense systems, and Caesar self-propelled artillery systems.
• Russia’s share in Armenia’s arms imports dropped from 94% (2011-2020) to 10% in 2024 due to “delivery difficulties” caused by the Ukraine war.
• A strategic partnership agreement between the US and Armenia in January 2025 may further limit Russia’s return to the Armenian arms market. (more)

Turkey’s Erdogan Rakes Up Kashmir Issue After Talks With Pakistan PM, Offers Assistance

• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered to mediate on the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan, suggesting a “human rights-based resolution” with international organization involvement.
• This move contradicts India’s stance that Kashmir is an internal matter requiring no external mediation.
• India has consistently maintained that talks with Pakistan can only happen if terrorism stops and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is returned.
• Erdogan’s comments come amid strained India-Turkey ties, particularly after Turkey provided drones to Pakistan used against India.
• India has previously expressed its displeasure over Erdogan’s remarks on Kashmir, emphasizing that it’s a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan as per the Simla Agreement.
• New Delhi is likely to view Erdogan’s latest comments as another instance of Turkey disrespecting India’s sovereignty over J&K.
• The development may further strain India-Turkey relations, potentially impacting their billion-dollar infrastructure and aviation deals. (more)
• Recently, several Indian universities have suspended or canceled academic MoUs with Turkish institutions due to rising tensions and Turkey’s support for Pakistan, including IIT Roorkee, IIT Bombay, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, citing national interest.

In nuclear energy push, Govt to allow private operators, limit their liability

• The Indian government is set to introduce two key amendments in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament to open up the civil nuclear sector.
• The amendments aim to ease liability provisions for equipment vendors in case of accidents and allow private companies, including potential foreign minority equity partners, to operate nuclear power plants.
• This move could leverage the commercial potential of the Indo-US civil nuclear deal and boost trade and investment ties with the US.
• The amendments are expected to address legal bottlenecks that have deterred foreign investments and facilitate cooperation with US companies like Holtec Int’l, which recently received regulatory clearance to transfer small modular reactor technology to India. (more)

Tragedy in Hyderabad: 17 Killed in Gulzar Houz Fire

• A devastating fire broke out at Gulzar Houz in Charminar, Hyderabad, claiming the lives of 17 members of the Modi family.
• The family’s desperate cries for help were captured in a phone call to their friend Syed Iqbal, who received a panicked call from Pankaj Modi at 6:10 a.m. saying, “We are trapped, please save us.”
• Despite Iqbal’s immediate efforts to call for help, the fire spread too quickly, and the family was unable to escape.
• The narrow entrances to the building likely contributed to the high toll (more)

MEA clarifies Rahul’s ‘Pak Informed’ post on Op Sindoor as fabrication of facts

• Rahul Gandhi faced criticism from the BJP for claiming the Centre informed Pakistan before Operation Sindoor.
• The BJP called him a “propaganda tool” of Pakistan.
• The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the warning was sent to Pakistan at the start of the operation, not before.
• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India warned Pakistan during the operation to avoid military interference.
• Rahul Gandhi shared a video of Jaishankar’s statement, suggesting the govt made a mistake by informing Pakistan.
• The MEA and BJP disputed Gandhi’s interpretation, saying he misrepresented facts (more)

Ashoka University professor Mahmudabad arrested for controversial remarks on Operation Sindoor

• Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, head of the political science department, was arrested for his social media comments on India’s “Operation Sindoor” against terror groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• A BJP Yuva Morcha leader filed a complaint, prompting the arrest.
• Mahmudabad allegedly undermined women officers in the Indian armed forces and fomented communal discord, according to the Haryana State Commission for Women, which took suo motu cognizance of his remarks.
• The university cooperates with the investigation. Mahmudabad claimed his comments were misinterpreted and focused on safeguarding citizens and soldiers. (more)

[Neighborhood]

‘In wake of Pak-India conflict’: Pak FM to hold talks with China, Afghanistan

• Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is visiting China to strengthen bilateral ties with his counterpart Wang Yi, amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India.
• The visit, scheduled from May 19 to 21, will focus on:
• Bilateral Relations: Enhancing economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and regional security.
• “The [Pak] Foreign Minister will hold in-depth discussions with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability,” the Pakistan FO stated.
• Regional Peace and Security: Discussing the evolving situation in the region, particularly after India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• Trilateral Meeting: A meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is also planned, where they will discuss:
• Promoting Regional Trade: Enhancing economic cooperation among the three nations.
• Security Cooperation: Strengthening joint efforts to maintain regional stability.
• Evolving Regional Situation: Addressing the recent conflict between India and Pakistan.
• This visit marks Dar’s first diplomatic sortie after the Operation and demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to bolstering its “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China.
• China has welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, viewing it as a step forward for sustainable regional peace. (more)

Pakistan also, announces own global outreach for ‘image makeover’

• PM Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to lead a delegation to present Pakistan’s “case for peace” on the international stage.
• This move is seen as a response to India’s all-party delegation launched to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
• Bilawal confirmed being approached by the PM and accepted the responsibility.
• Analysts view this as an attempt to control the international narrative and counter India.
• India had announced 7 all-party delegations, led by MPs from different parties, to key capitals in North America, Europe, and West Asia.
• This is not the first time Pakistan has copied India; previously, the Pakistani PM visited a military base imitating PM Modi, and Pakistan also copied India’s press briefings by the DGMO, providing proof of attacks and thwarted retaliations.
• Pakistan’s move is seen as an attempt to match India’s diplomatic efforts and shape the international narrative on regional peace. (more)

Top LeT terrorist Abu Safiullah, brain behind 3 attacks in India, killed in Pak

• Razullah Nizamani, a top LeT terrorist, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Sindh province.
• He was accused of orchestrating high-profile terror attacks in India, including the RSS HQ in Nagpur, a CRPF camp in Rampur, and the Indian Science Congress in Bengaluru.
• Nizamani operated under a false identity in Nepal, where he married a local woman, and coordinated LeT activities while maintaining a low profile.
• He recently shifted to Sindh, Pakistan, focusing on recruitment and fund collection for terror operations.
• His killing follows India’s Operation Sindoor, which eliminated around 100 terrorists, including high-value targets.
• Recently, 3 Lashkar terrorists, including Operations Commander Shahid Kuttay, were killed in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.
• Nizamani’s elimination deals a significant blow to the Pakistan military-terror nexus, amid ongoing counter-terrorism efforts (more)

IMF imposes 11 new conditions on Pakistan for its bailout programme, warns it against risks: Report

• The International Monetary Fund has imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan for the release of the next tranche of its $3 billion bailout program, warning that tensions with India could jeopardize the program’s goals. The conditions include:
• Budget Approval: Pakistan must approve a new Rs 17.6 trillion budget for fiscal year 2026, with Rs 1.07 trillion for development spending, by June 2025.
• Tax Reforms: Implementing new Agriculture Income Tax laws in provinces by June 2025.
• Energy Sector Reforms: Issuing notifications for annual electricity tariff rebasing by Jul 1, 2025.
• Removing the Rs 3.21 per unit cap on debt service surcharge by Jun 2025.
• Import Liberalization: Lifting restrictions on importing used cars over three years old.
• Defense Budget: Pakistan’s defense budget for the next fiscal year is Rs 2.414 trillion, a 12% increase.
• However, the Pak govt has indicated a defense allocation exceeding Rs 2.5 trillion, an 18% rise 
• The IMF’s conditions aim to ensure Pakistan meets the program’s fiscal, external, and reform goals, with the total number of conditions now standing at 50.
• Pakistan’s compliance with these conditions will determine the release of the next tranche of the bailout program. (more)

Pakistan says it would respond to any ‘aggression’ from India

• Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spox stated that while the recent ceasefire agreement with India is a positive development, Pakistan will respond to any aggression from India. [Expected line]
• Spox urged India to faithfully implement the ceasefire and asked international partners to ensure India adheres to its commitments.
• Spox accused India of distorting facts and justifying aggression, while emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
• The Spox appreciated the role of friendly countries in facilitating the ceasefire and reiterated Pakistan’s support for US President Trump’s offer [it is not 1^st offer] to mediate on the Kashmir issue, which India considers a bilateral matter.
• Pakistan and India agreed to a structured mechanism for phased de-escalation, with both sides maintaining periodic contact since May 10.
• Khan emphasized Pakistan’s belief in dialogue and negotiations to resolve issues, including the Kashmir dispute. (more)

Pakistan: DG ISPR warns India of long-term consequences if it attempts to block Pakistan’s water

• DG Inter-Services Public Relations Lt Gen Ahmed Chaudhry warned India that blocking Pakistan’s water supply would have severe, long-lasting consequences, potentially lasting decades.
• He emphasized that stopping water flow to over 240 million Pakistanis would be an act of madness with far-reaching repercussions.
• Water Dispute: Lt Gen Chaudhry’s statement specifically referenced India’s potential blockage [Not blockage but increase domestic consumption] of Pakistan’s share of the Indus River waters
• Pakistan’s Stance: The ISPR chief highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to peace and ceasefire agreements while underscoring its readiness to respond firmly to any violations, including water blockages.
• Military Preparedness: Chaudhry emphasized the professionalism of the Pakistan Army, stating its adherence to commitments and instructions from the political government.
• Confidence-Building Measures: Despite tensions, he noted existing communication channels between both sides, suggesting a willingness to maintain dialogue. (more)

Pakistan: At least four killed in explosion near FC fort in Qila Abdullah

• A powerful bomb blast in Balochistan’s Pishin district wounded at least 20 people, including a tribal leader, Haji Faizullah Khan Ghabizai.
• The explosion targeted the wall of a Frontier Corps (FC) fort, damaging vehicles and shops. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a clearance operation.
• This incident is part of a larger surge in terror attacks in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
• Despite some progress in security trends in early 2025, projections warn of over 3,600 fatalities by year-end if current trends persist.
• Balochistan saw a 15% surge in violence compared to the previous quarter, accounting for 35% of all fatalities. (more)

Bangladesh: Interim govt has no authority to decide on corridor, port: Tarique

• Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman has criticized the interim government for prioritizing decisions on corridors and port control over announcing a date for national elections.
• He stated that such decisions are beyond the authority of an interim government and should be made by a democratically elected government.
• Tarique urged the government to declare a specific election date and focus on establishing a government accountable to the people.
• He warned that the govt’s lack of goodwill and capability has led to public disappointment and growing political instability.
• The BNP leader also opposed plans to provide a humanitarian corridor for Myanmar’s Rakhine State and handing over the Chattogram Port container terminal to foreign companies.
• He questioned the government’s capability, citing its failure to finalize the list of martyrs and injured from the July-August movement, and warned that ignoring democratic values and systems would ultimately harm the state and democracy. (more)

Bangladesh: Humanitarian corridor, Chattogram port issues: CPB calls countrywide protest progs

• The Communist Party of Bangladesh has announced a 2-day nationwide protest on May 23-24 against the interim govt’s decisions to establish a “humanitarian corridor” for Myanmar’s Rakhine state and lease the Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal to a foreign company.
• The CPB views these decisions as threats to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
• The party demands that the govt publish a white paper clarifying its stance on these issues and refrain from activities that harm national interests.
• The CPB also calls on left-leaning, democratic, and progressive parties to unite against any actions that delay elections, involve the country in proxy wars, or compromise national interests.
• The party emphasizes the need for free, fair, and credible elections and urges the government to prioritize the nation’s interests over questionable decisions. (more)

Nepal Anti-Graft Body Investigates Ramdev’s Land Deal

• Nepal’s anti-corruption body, CIAA, has summoned Indian yoga guru Ramdev and his associate Acharya Balkrishna in connection with alleged irregularities in land acquisition in Banepa, Kavrepalanchok district.
• The duo has refused to appear, citing their local representative, Shaligram Singh as responsible for the land deal.
• The investigation reveals that Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal funneled Rs1.51 billion into the country since 2015, and Singh was central to the land acquisitions made under govt exemptions.

The CIAA has recorded statements from key decision-makers and is probing financial irregularities in the land transactions (more)