1. Maoist Basavaraju among 30 Nuxals killed after 50-hour-long Op Kagar ended era of red terror
2. Terrorist Encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar
3. Days After India’s Taliban Outreach, China Huddles With Pakistan, Afghanistan
4. Trump yet again claims he ended India-Pakistan hostilities, suggesting it was ‘through trade’
5. China calls for ‘lasting ceasefire’ between India, Pak; backs Pakistan’s sovereignty after Wang-Dar talks

What Else

1. Indian Citizens Must Be Taken Back: Bangladesh
2. India declares Pakistani official persona non grata, asked to leave within 24 hours
3. ‘Baseless’: MEA rejects Pak claim on India role in Balochistan suicide attack
4. India well-positioned to deal with negative effects of US tariffs: Moody’s
5. School Bus Attacked in Balochistan’s Khuzdar, 5 Killed Including 3 Children
6. Pakistan Vows to Eliminate Foreign-Sponsored Terrorism After Deadly School Bus Attack
7. Pakistan Army Rejects Allegations, Blames Indian-Sponsored Militants for Civilian Casualties
8. Pakistan PM Suggests Saudi Arabia as Neutral Venue for India Talks
9. Bangladesh Army Chief Calls for December Elections

Maoist Basavaraju among 30 Nuxals killed after 50-hour-long Op Kagar ended era of red terror

• Nambala Keshava Rao, alias Basavaraju, is a significant figure in the Maoist movement.
• As the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), he’s been instrumental in planning and executing several attacks against security forces and political leaders.
• Born in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, Basavaraju holds a BTech degree from the Regional Engineering College, Warangal.
• He’s also been trained in guerrilla warfare by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
• His noted crimes include:
• Masterminding the 2010 Dantewada massacre: 74 Central Reserve Police Force personnel and two policemen from Chhattisgarh police were killed in Dantewada district.
• 2013 Jeeram Ghati ambush: 27 people, including former state minister and Salwa Judum leader Mahendra Karma, and Chhattisgarh Congress Chief Nand Kumar Patel, were killed.
• 2018 killings of TDP MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao and former MLA Siveri Soma: Basavaraju was accused of planning and executing this attack.
• 2019 IED blast in Dantewada district: BJP politician and Member of Chhattisgarh’s Legislative Assembly, Bhima Mandavi, and 4 of his security personnel were killed.
• Basavaraju’s leadership is characterized by strong military tactics, including guerrilla warfare and the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
• He’s been underground for over two decades and is rewarded ₹15 million for information leading to his capture. (more, more)

Terrorist Encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar

• An exchange of fire was reported between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.
• Meanwhile, the J&K Police earlier reported neutralizing six terrorists in two separate operations in Shopian and Tral.
• Inspector General of Police VK Birdi stated that the operations were conducted in coordination with the Indian Army and CRPF, aiming to finish the terror ecosystem in Kashmir Valley.
• The intensified operations follow a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, and India’s launch of Operation Sindoor targeting terrorists in Pakistan and PoK.
• Security forces are on high alert. (more)

Days After India’s Taliban Outreach, China Huddles With Pakistan, Afghanistan

• China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into Afghanistan, aiming to boost regional stability, security, and development.
• This decision was made during an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing, where the foreign ministers of the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on regional security, economic connectivity, and counter-terrorism.
• The expansion of CPEC is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India has opposed due to concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• India has also criticized the CPEC project, as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• The 3 foreign ministers agreed to deepen BRI cooperation and extend CPEC to Afghanistan, promoting regional peace, stability, and development.
• They also underscored their shared commitment to countering terrorism and fostering stability and development in the region.
• The 6^th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ meeting will be held in Kabul at an early, mutually convenient date. (more, more)

Trump yet again claims he ended India-Pakistan hostilities, suggesting it was ‘through trade’

• US President Donald Trump’s claim of settling hostilities between India and Pakistan has been met with skepticism.
• Trump stated that he used trade as a deterrent, threatening to halt trade with India and Pakistan if they didn’t cease military operations against each other.
• However, India has repeatedly denied any US involvement in the ceasefire, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri saying that Washington was “neither involved nor informed”.
• Trump’s comments have raised concerns about the potential impact on India-US trade relations.
• India has imposed high tariffs on US goods, which Trump has criticized, calling India a “very big abuser” of tariffs.
• The US is India’s largest export market, with exports reaching $77.52 billion in 2023-24.
• Any disruption in this trade flow could have significant economic implications for India.
• Overall, Trump’s claims and inconsistent policies have added complexity to the already delicate relationships between the US, India, and Pakistan. (more)

China calls for ‘lasting ceasefire’ between India, Pak; backs Pakistan’s sovereignty after Wang-Dar talks

• China has called for a “comprehensive and lasting ceasefire” between India and Pakistan, urging both countries to resolve their differences through dialogue.
• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the comments during a meeting with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing.
• Wang also expressed China’s support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, referring to Pakistan as an “ironclad friend”.
• Wang emphasized that a peaceful resolution to the conflict is in the long-term interests of both India and Pakistan, as well as the international community.
• He also discussed strengthening regional cooperation and deepening coordination in multilateral mechanisms with Dar.
• Dar thanked China for its support in upholding justice and promoting peace, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful neighborhood while affirming its right to defend its territory and people.
• The meeting comes after India and Pakistan reached an understanding to end their conflict on May 10, following four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. (more)

Indian Citizens Must Be Taken Back: Bangladesh

• Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has stated that Indian citizens who were forcibly sent to Bangladesh must be taken back.
• However, he added that there is no clear decision yet on whether those pushed in will be pushed back.
• Hossain mentioned that Bangladesh is maintaining communication with India to ensure that such incidents do not occur outside of the rules.
• India has provided a list of the individuals, which Bangladesh is verifying through the home ministry.
• The adviser also discussed reviewing agreements with India, stating that they want to identify problems and discuss them with India at the appropriate time.
• Additionally, Bangladesh will send a letter regarding the halt in ready-made garment exports through Indian land ports, which is being handled by the commerce adviser.
• Hossain emphasized that Bangladesh wants to move forward according to the rules. (more)

India declares Pakistani official persona non grata, asked to leave within 24 hours

• India has declared a Pakistani official persona non grata for engaging in activities inconsistent with their official status.
• The official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, has been asked to leave India within 24 hours.
• This is the second such incident in a week, amid deteriorating relations between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor.
• The move indicates India’s strong stance against Pakistan’s alleged espionage activities. (more)
• Pakistan too, declares an Indian official persona non grata.

‘Baseless’: MEA rejects Pak claim on India role in Balochistan suicide attack

• India has strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations of involvement in the Balochistan school bus attack that killed 5 people, including 3 children.
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs spox condemned the allegations as baseless and an attempt to divert attention from Pakistan’s reputation as a hub for terrorism.
• Jaiswal expressed condolences for the loss of lives but emphasized that Pakistan’s tendency to blame India for its internal issues is a desperate attempt to hoodwink the world.
• The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following a military confrontation earlier this month
• Pakistan’s military and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had swiftly accused India of involvement without providing evidence. (more)

India well-positioned to deal with negative effects of US tariffs: Moody’s

• India is well-equipped to handle the negative impacts of US tariffs and global trade disruptions, thanks to its robust domestic growth drivers and low reliance on exports, according to Moody’s Ratings.
• The agency credits govt initiatives that boost private consumption, manufacturing capacity, and infrastructure spending for helping to offset the weakening global demand.
• Additionally, easing inflation could lead to interest rate cuts, further supporting the economy.
• Moody’s notes that India’s sizable domestic economy and limited dependence on goods trade make it more resilient than other emerging markets.
• While some sectors, like autos, may face challenges, India’s diversified operations and robust service sector provide a buffer against external shocks. (more)

[Neighborhood]

School Bus Attacked in Balochistan’s Khuzdar, 5 Killed Including 3 Children

• A school bus was targeted in an explosion near Zero Point in Khuzdar, Balochistan, killing five people, including three students, and injuring over 30 others.
• The attack has been widely condemned by govt officials, including the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Minister of Balochistan, who attributed it to Indian-backed terrorists.
• The govt has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those responsible for the attack.
• Internationally, the United States, the United Nations, and Chinese embassies in Pakistan have also condemned the attack.
• The incident has sparked outrage and grief, with many calling it a “heinous and inhuman crime.”
• The govt has assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and has emphasized the need for collective action against terrorism.
• The attack has been described as an attempt to spread terror and unrest in the region, and the government has pledged to take decisive action to eliminate terrorism.
• The investigation into the attack is ongoing. (more)

Pakistan Vows to Eliminate Foreign-Sponsored Terrorism After Deadly School Bus Attack

• A powerful explosion targeting a school bus in Balochistan’s Khuzdar has killed five people, including three children, and injured over 30 others.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have vowed to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism, attributing the attack to “Indian-backed militants”. [So Soon?]
• The govt has announced a relentless pursuit of those involved in the attack and plans to present evidence to support its claims about India’s involvement.
• The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for decisive action against terrorism.
• Balochistan and KP remain epicenters of violence, accounting for 98% of all fatalities.
• The govt has stressed the need for collective action to bring terrorism to a decisive conclusion and hold those responsible accountable. The investigation into the attack is ongoing. (more)

Pakistan Army Rejects Allegations, Blames Indian-Sponsored Militants for Civilian Casualties

• The Pakistan Army has rejected allegations of involvement in a recent incident in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area that resulted in civilian casualties.
• The military attributed the attack to the Indian-sponsored militant group ‘Fitna Al Khawarij’, reportedly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
• According to the ISPR, initial findings confirm the militant group’s involvement and that they used civilian populations as human shields.
• The army remains committed to eradicating terrorism and bringing those involved to justice.
• The incident is part of a surge in terror incidents in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
• Despite some progress in reducing violence, projections warn of over 3,600 fatalities by year-end if current trends persist. (more)

Pakistan PM Suggests Saudi Arabia as Neutral Venue for India Talks

• Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed Saudi Arabia as a potential neutral venue for talks with India to discuss critical issues like Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism.
• The National Security Adviser will lead Pakistan’s side in the talks. Sharif ruled out China as a venue, saying India wouldn’t agree.
• The situation between the two countries is de-escalating after contacts between their Directors-General of Military Operations.
• Sharif also discussed the elevation of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir to Field Marshal, saying he consulted PML-N President Nawaz Sharif before making the decision.
• The PM also chaired a meeting on low-cost housing, emphasizing its importance for economic growth and job creation. (more)

Bangladesh Army Chief Calls for December Elections

• Army Chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman has stated that the next national election should be held by Dec, maintaining his stance that an elected govt should determine the country’s future course.
• Speaking at an Officers’ Address programme, he emphasized the importance of national interest and political consensus in decision-making.
• The army chief also addressed various current issues, including the humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine state, mob violence, and port operations.
• He warned against mob violence, promising a stricter stance, and stressed the need for public and political input on key decisions like the Chattogram port’s operational control.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman reaffirmed the army’s commitment to neutrality and integrity in electoral duties and thanked personnel for their service, stating that the army will continue to cooperate with the interim government. (more)