1. Global Tensions Rise: India Expresses Concern Over Iranian Nuclear Facilities, Air India Cancels Flights Amid Iran-Israel Conflict, Iran Denies Trump’s claim “ Ceasefire Agreement Reached”
2. India Rejects OIC’s “Unwarranted” Remarks, Accuses Pakistan of State-Sponsored Terrorism
3. India Warns Pakistan of Water Starvation as Indus Waters Treaty Talks Break Down
4. India-China Talks Focus on Counter-Terrorism and Bilateral Ties
5. India-US Trade Deal Hits Roadblock Over Agricultural Imports

What Else

1. Two J&K Residents Held for Displaying US, Israel Flags
2. US Tightens Visa Rules: Make Social Media Public for Student Visas
3. India and Pakistan Extend Airspace Closure Until July 24
4. Indian Air Force Chief Strengthens Ties with Greece
5. India enters top 100 in global Sustainable Development Goals rankings for first time
6. China Playing Positive Role in Regional Politics: Mirza Fakhrul
7. BNP Condemns Mob Culture, Vows Action Against Members Involved
8. Pakistan Army Chief’s Meeting with Trump Sparks Speculation
9. AJK Legislative Assembly Debates Budget Amid Procedural Dispute
10. Australia to Provide Drones to Bangladesh Coast Guard for Enhanced Maritime Surveillance
11. Nepal Prioritizes Safety of Citizens in Israel and Iran Amid Escalating Conflict

Global Tensions Rise: India Expresses Concern Over Iranian Nuclear Facilities, Air India Cancels Flights Amid Iran-Israel Conflict, Iran Denies Trump’s claim “ Ceasefire Agreement Reached”

• India has voiced deep concern over the recent attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran, citing serious risks to regional stability, public health, and environmental safety.
• At a special meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva and the IAEA, S S. Kumaran, called for urgent attention to the matter.
• India urged the IAEA to regularly inform member states about damage and radiation risks, and asked all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.
• India reaffirmed its support for safeguarding nuclear facilities. (more)
• Air India Cancels Flights Over Gulf Region Amid Iran-Israel Conflict: Air India has cancelled all flights over the Gulf region and halted operations to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
• This decision comes after Iran launched a missile attack on a US airbase in Qatar’s Doha.
• The airline prioritizes passenger safety and security, continuously monitoring the situation and consulting external security advisors.
• Several other airlines have also cancelled, diverted, or returned flights to their origin airports amid the tense situation. (more)
• Iran Denies Ceasefire Agreement with Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any ceasefire agreement with Israel, contradicting US President Donald Trump’s claim that both countries had agreed to a staggered ceasefire.
• Araghchi stated that Iran would halt military operations if Israel stopped its “illegal aggression” by 4 am Tehran time.
• Despite Trump’s announcement, explosions continued in Tehran, and Iran launched missiles at a US military base in Qatar.
• The conflict has resulted in over 400 deaths in Iran and 24 in Israel, with international leaders calling for de-escalation to prevent a wider conflict. (more)
• Israel and Iran agree on ceasefire to end 12-day war, Trump says: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Mon a complete ceasefire between Israel and Iran, potentially ending the 12-day war that saw millions flee Tehran and prompted fears of further escalation in the war-torn region.
• The conflict began when the US and Israel carried out attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with a missile attack on the Al Udeid airbase.
• Fortunately, no casualties were reported. 
• However, the situation remains volatile, with the Israeli military issuing evacuation warnings in Tehran and alarms activated in the southern Golan Heights area.
• Markets reacted favorably to the ceasefire news, with S&P 500 futures rising 0.4%. (more)

India Rejects OIC’s “Unwarranted” Remarks, Accuses Pakistan of State-Sponsored Terrorism

• India has strongly criticized the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for its recent remarks on Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, calling them “unwarranted” and “factually incorrect”.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) accused Pakistan of turning “terrorism into statecraft” and misusing the OIC platform for narrow political ends.
• The OIC had called for strict adherence to bilateral pacts, including the Indus Waters Treaty, and a broad-based dialogue to peacefully settle disputes between India and Pakistan.
• The MEA rejected Pakistan’s allegations of “unprovoked and unjustified military aggression” and emphasized that India’s Operation Sindoor was a legitimate act of self-defense against terrorist camps in Pakistan.
• India also criticized the OIC for its failure to acknowledge the threat of terrorism emanating from Pakistan. (more)

India Warns Pakistan of Water Starvation as Indus Waters Treaty Talks Break Down

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah has warned Pakistan that India will not restore the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that Pakistan will be left starved of water.
• “International treaties can’t be annulled unilaterally but we had the right to put it in abeyance, which we have done. The treaty preamble mentions that it was for peace and progress of the two countries but once that has been violated, there is nothing left to protect,” said Shah.
• The treaty governed the usage of the Indus River system, providing water access to 80% of Pakistan’s farms.  
• India plans to divert surplus flows from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan through a 113-km canal, optimizing its share of Indus River waters.
• Pakistan has threatened to consider any attempt to stop or divert water flow as an “Act of War”.
• Despite Pakistan’s willingness to talk on outstanding issues, including the Indus Water Treaty, India has made it clear it will only discuss Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and terrorism. (more)

India-China Talks Focus on Counter-Terrorism and Bilateral Ties

• India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, emphasizing the need to counter terrorism in all its forms to maintain regional peace and stability.
• The meeting comes amid efforts to rebuild India-China ties strained after the eastern Ladakh border standoff.
• Doval’s comments were seen as an indirect message to China to pressure its ally Pakistan to take action against terror outfits operating from its soil.
• The two sides reviewed recent developments in India-China relations and discussed promoting the overall development of ties, including people-to-people engagement.
• Wang noted that China-India relations have made positive progress and emphasized the need for enhanced communication and mutual trust.
• They also exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.
• China has made positive progress in relations with India, and both sides should enhance communication and build mutual trust, Wang said. Doval will meet Wang in India for the 24^th round of Special Representative talks.
• The meeting is part of India’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave, which China is hosting as the current chair. (more)

India-US Trade Deal Hits Roadblock Over Agricultural Imports

• India and the US have hit a snag in their trade deal negotiations, with India resisting the US’s demand to lower duties on agricultural imports like maize and soybeans.
• Indian authorities are concerned about the potential impact on farmers and the health risks associated with genetically modified food.
• The talks, aimed at concluding a limited deal by Jul 9, have stalled, and without an agreement, Indian industries may face a 26% levy.
• The US has offered a 10% baseline tariff, which India finds insufficient. Key areas of contention also include:
• Tariffs on Industrial Goods: The US seeks duty reductions on industrial goods, automobiles, and wines.
• Medical Devices: The US wants India to eliminate tariffs and ease price controls.
• Data Localization: The US seeks relaxation on data storage rules.
• Intellectual Property: US has concerns over India’s patent delays and weak trade secret protection.
• Market Access: India seeks zero-duty access for textiles, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods. (more)

Two J&K Residents Held for Displaying US, Israel Flags

• Two residents of Jammu and Kashmir were arrested for allegedly displaying US and Israel flags in support of their military actions against Iran.
• The incident has sparked controversy, with authorities taking swift action against the individuals.
• The arrests were made under relevant sections of the law, and further investigation is underway.
• The display of foreign flags in support of military actions has raised concerns about national security and public sentiment.
• The incident highlights the sensitive nature of international relations and the need for citizens to be mindful of their actions (more)

US Tightens Visa Rules: Make Social Media Public for Student Visas

• The US Embassy in India has announced that applicants for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas must make their social media accounts public for enhanced screening.
• This move aims to strengthen national security protocols and aid consular officers in determining applicants’ admissibility.
• The policy applies to academic students (F visas), non-academic or vocational study (M visas), and exchange program participants (J visas).
• The US Embassy emphasizes that every visa adjudication is a national security decision and that all available information, including online presence, is used to detect potential threats.
• This rule isn’t new; since 2019, visa applicants have been required to provide social media identifiers.
• The US State Department temporarily paused student visa issuance while developing these guidelines, which are now effective. (more)

India and Pakistan Extend Airspace Closure Until July 24

• India and Pakistan have extended their reciprocal airspace ban until July 24, 2025, at 5:29 am.
• The decision comes after both countries imposed restrictions on each other’s flights following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 people.
• Pakistan had announced the extension earlier on Mon, and India followed suit. Key Details:
• Airspace Ban: Both countries have banned each other’s aircraft, including military flights, from overflying their territories.
• Impact on Flights: Indian airlines are significantly affected, with around 800 flights per week impacted due to longer routes, increased fuel consumption, and operational complexities.
• Financial Losses: Indian airlines, particularly Air India, are estimated to lose millions of dollars due to the airspace closure.
• Diplomatic Tensions: The airspace ban is part of the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan (more)

Indian Air Force Chief Strengthens Ties with Greece

• Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh visited Greece, meeting with his counterpart Lt General Dimosthenis Grigoriadis to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation.
• The two air forces already participate in joint exercises like “Iniochos 23” and “Tarang Shakti 24”.
• Singh was briefed on the Hellenic Air Force’s organization and operations, and discussions focused on operational and training domains.
• The Greek Air Force has also sought access to India’s Operation Sindoor tactics, a counter-terrorism operation against Pakistani-based groups.
• The visit aims to boost strategic collaboration and interoperability between the two nations’ air forces. (more)

India enters top 100 in global Sustainable Development Goals rankings for first time

• India has entered the top 100 in global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rankings for the first time, securing the 99th position out of 193 countries.
• According to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s latest report, India scored 67 on the 2025 SDG Index.
• The country’s progress is notable, especially in goals like eliminating poverty, decent work, economic growth, climate action, and life on land.
• However, global progress on SDGs has stalled, with only 17% of targets projected to be achieved by 2030.
• Nordic countries like Finland, Sweden, and Denmark top the index. (more)

[Neighborhood]

China Playing Positive Role in Regional Politics: Mirza Fakhrul

• BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir praised China’s initiatives in Asia-Pacific regional politics, terming them “positive” during a bilateral meeting with a Chinese delegation in Beijing.
• He expressed hope that these initiatives would expand to a multilateral scale.
• The meeting was led by Li Hongzhong, a Politburo member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress. Key Highlights:
• BNP Delegation Visit: A high-level BNP delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul, visited China at the invitation of the CPC.
• Positive Initiatives: Fakhrul appreciated China’s role in regional politics, hoping for further expansion.
• Invitation to Tarique Rahman: Li Hongzhong invited BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to visit China, aiming to elevate relations between the two parties and countries.
• China Railway Visit: The BNP delegation also visited China Railway Group Limited, showing interest in China’s infrastructure development. (more)

BNP Condemns Mob Culture, Vows Action Against Members Involved

• The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has distanced itself from mob culture, vowing to investigate and take disciplinary action against any party member involved in a recent incident targeting former Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda.
• BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
• While criticizing Huda’s alleged partisanship, Salahuddin hoped the legal process would be followed in Huda’s case.
• He accused Huda of contributing to the destruction of democracy and the electoral system in Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. (more)

Pakistan Army Chief’s Meeting with Trump Sparks Speculation

• Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir reportedly met with US President Donald Trump, sparking speculation about Pakistan’s role in regional dynamics.
• According to reports, Munir may have leaked sensitive intelligence about Iran’s top military commander, Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, to the US and Israel, potentially facilitating his assassination in an Israeli airstrike.
• Some claim Munir gifted Baqeri a GPS-enabled wristwatch, allowing Israel to pinpoint his location. Key Developments:
• Munir-Trump Meeting: The meeting aimed to strengthen US-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation, particularly against the Islamic State Khorasan group.
• Pakistan’s Balancing Act: Pakistan seeks to navigate tense relations with Iran while fostering ties with the US, potentially gaining advanced military hardware and financial incentives.
• Regional Implications: The alleged intelligence leak may impact Pakistan’s relations with Iran and its role in the Middle East, amid rising tensions and volatility along the Pakistan-Iran border. (more)

AJK Legislative Assembly Debates Budget Amid Procedural Dispute

• The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly convened on Mon, sparking controversy over debating the approved budget estimates after its formal passage.
• Opposition lawmakers boycotted the session, citing procedural irregularities.
• PML-N’s Shah Ghulam Qadir argued that discussing the budget post-approval lacked legal basis, while Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar and PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq defended the session, citing parliamentary traditions. Key Points:
• Procedural Debate: Law Minister Mian Abdul Waheed claimed members could offer suggestions since the finance bill was still pending and the PM hadn’t delivered his budget speech.
• Opposition Concerns: Qadir emphasized the need for a formal agenda and highlighted procedural violations, stressing that the majority doesn’t mean unbridled power.
• Resolution Passed: The House unanimously adopted a resolution to rename the New Islamabad International Airport after late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. (more)

Australia to Provide Drones to Bangladesh Coast Guard for Enhanced Maritime Surveillance

• The Australian government will provide technical assistance, including aerial drones, to the Bangladesh Coast Guard to strengthen civil-maritime security cooperation between the two countries.
• The drones will enhance maritime surveillance capabilities, helping combat transnational crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal fishing.
• A memorandum titled “Civil Maritime Security and Maritime Safety” was signed in 2024 to support cooperation on maritime threats. Key Aspects of the Cooperation:
• Maritime Surveillance: Drones will monitor Bangladesh’s sea territory and prevent crimes.
• Joint Training: Multiple training sessions have been conducted to build capacity and cooperation.
• Intelligence Sharing: Operational information will be exchanged to strengthen efforts against maritime threats.
• Regional Security: The cooperation to address shared challenges as Indian Ocean neighbours. (more)

Nepal Prioritizes Safety of Citizens in Israel and Iran Amid Escalating Conflict

• The Nepal govt is working to ensure the safety and potential evacuation of its citizens in Israel and Iran, where tensions have escalated. Key efforts include:
• Travel Advisory: Issued on June 15, urging Nepalis to remain cautious and maintain contact with Nepali embassies.
• Online Portal: Launched on June 17 for registering details of Nepalis abroad, with 885 entries recorded so Nepal’s embassy can plan for evacuations.
• Coordination with India: Request made to help repatriate 16 Nepalis in Iran, with 11 already returning home.
• Rapid Response Mechanism: Established with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for timely evacuations.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Ongoing for the release of Bipin Joshi, detained by Hamas in October 2023.
• Additionally, Nepal is engaged in high-level bilateral dialogues with India and China to resolve longstanding border issues.
• The government has also facilitated the repatriation of a Nepali national’s body from Croatia and rescued 36 Nepali nationals from Indian custody. (more)