1. “Support Peace Efforts In Ukraine”: PM Modi To Trump After Birthday Message
2. India Rejects Third-Party Mediation with Pakistan
3. Maoists Declare Temporary Suspension of Armed Struggle
4. Arab-Islamic NATO Proposal Raises Concerns for India
5. Khalistani Group Threatens Siege of Indian Consulate in Vancouver

What Else

1. Delhi Courts Flag Fabricated Evidence in 2020 Riots Cases
2. India-US Trade Talks Show Promise
3. India and Mauritius Strengthen Bilateral Ties
4. India’s Operation Sindoor Targets JeM Chief’s Family
5. Pakistan Army Chief Accused of Supporting Terror Groups
6. China and Pakistan Strengthen Business Ties
7. Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Economic Ties with $10 Billion Trade Goal
8. US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Pakistani Officials for Human Rights Abuses
9. China Urges US and Japan to Withdraw Typhon Missile System
10. Jamaat-e-Islami Pushes for Proportional Representation System in Bangladesh Elections

“Support Peace Efforts In Ukraine”: PM Modi To Trump After Birthday Message

• US President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wish him a happy 75th birthday, just hours after the two countries resumed trade talks.
• Modi thanked Trump and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-US relations, mentioning ongoing trade deal discussions.
• Key Highlights of the Call:
• Support for Ukraine Peace Efforts: Modi expressed support for US initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, stating, “We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”
• Trade Talks: Both sides agreed to intensify talks for an early trade deal, with the US and India holding “positive” trade talks in New Delhi.
• Challenges: Despite positive talks, issues remain, including US concerns over India’s purchase of Russian oil and India’s reluctance to allow the free flow of American farm and dairy products.
• The phone call demonstrates Trump’s efforts to strengthen ties with key global partners.
• Modi’s birthday is being celebrated nationwide in India with various events and program launches, including a two-week-long ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ program. (more)

India Rejects Third-Party Mediation with Pakistan

• Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that India has rejected third-party mediation on bilateral issues, including terrorism and water disputes.
• Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue, provided there’s sincerity and seriousness from both sides.
• He recalled meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in July, who confirmed India’s stance that issues with Pakistan are bilateral.
• Dar warned that Pakistan won’t compromise on sovereignty and highlighted the country’s defensive nuclear capability.
• Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, prompting India to launch
• Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
• Dar also criticized Israel’s aggression against Qatar, calling for a clear action plan from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to address Israeli aggression. (more)

Maoists Declare Temporary Suspension of Armed Struggle

• The outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has announced a temporary halt to its armed struggle, calling for peace talks with the government.
• In a statement, the Maoists urged the government to declare a one-month ceasefire and halt security operations to facilitate dialogue.
• The statement’s authenticity is being verified by the Chhattisgarh government, which has expressed skepticism about the Maoists’ intentions.
• Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma emphasized that talks cannot be conditional and suggested that the Maoists should surrender and avail themselves of rehabilitation benefits.
• The Maoists have offered direct talks with the Centre, proposing video calls or meetings with the Union Home Minister.
• They cited changed global and national circumstances, as well as appeals from senior government officials, as reasons for their decision.
• The development comes nearly four months after the killing of Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao. (more)

Arab-Islamic NATO Proposal Raises Concerns for India

• Leaders from over 40 Arab and Islamic nations gathered in Doha for an emergency summit to address Israel’s recent strike on Hamas leaders.
• The meeting yielded little concrete action, but the idea of a NATO-style military alliance garnered significant support.
• Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim country, aggressively advocated for an “Arab-Islamic task force” to counter Israeli actions.
• With Turkey, a NATO member, also backing the proposal, India’s concerns grow due to Pakistan’s history of internationalizing the Kashmir issue and Turkey’s past support for Pakistan during conflicts.
• A collective defense pact could embolden Islamabad, providing another platform for anti-India activities.
• While the alliance remains nascent, India’s $2 billion annual defense trade with Israel and differing stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict add complexity. (more)
• [Pakistan’s proxy war strategy and China’s aggressive posture further complicate India’s security landscape.
• India must balance its soft power approach with decisive military responses to terrorism.
• India’s relationships with Arab countries are primarily driven by economic and strategic interests, rather than mutual defense commitments.
• India’s diplomatic efforts faced a sobering reality check during Operation Sindoor, revealing the complexities of international relations and the challenges of securing meaningful support in times of crisis.]

Khalistani Group Threatens Siege of Indian Consulate in Vancouver

• The banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has threatened to “siege” the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, Canada, on September 18.
• The group accuses Indian consulates of running “spy networks” against Khalistani referendum campaigners and demands accountability for alleged Indian state-directed espionage and intimidation on Canadian soil.
• A poster released by SFJ features India’s High Commissioner-designate Dinesh Patnaik with a target on his face, labeling him the “new face of India’s Hindutva terror in Canada”.
• The SFJ has advised Indo-Canadians to refrain from visiting the consulate on Sept 18, when the 12-hour siege is planned to start at 8 am local time.
• This threat comes over a year after diplomatic tensions between India and Canada escalated following allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. (more)

Delhi Courts Flag Fabricated Evidence in 2020 Riots Cases

• Delhi courts have flagged serious impropriety in police investigations, finding fabricated evidence and artificial witnesses in 17 out of 93 acquittals related to the 2020 Delhi riots.
• The courts criticized the police for introducing false witnesses, manipulating case records and dictating witness statements.
• Judges noted that investigations were often driven by a need to close cases rather than ensure justice, resulting in “serious trampling” of the accused’s rights.
• The acquittals span across various police stations in northeast Delhi, including Dayalpur, Khajuri Khas and Gokalpuri.
• The 2020 Delhi riots resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
• The courts’ findings raise concerns about the integrity of investigations and the rule of law (more)

India-US Trade Talks Show Promise

• India and the US have decided to intensify efforts to conclude a bilateral trade agreement early, following positive discussions between the two countries’ negotiating teams.
• The talks, led by US Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch and Indian counterpart Rajesh Agrawal, were described as “positive and forward-looking.”
• The meeting, which lasted seven hours, covered various aspects of the trade deal.
• Although the Commerce Ministry didn’t disclose the date of the next formal negotiation round, talks are expected to continue virtually once the US team returns home.
• This development comes amid recent tariff tensions between the two countries, with the US imposing 50% tariffs on India.
• The bilateral trade agreement aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations. (more)

India and Mauritius Strengthen Bilateral Ties

• Vice President CP Radhakrishnan met Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam at the Vice President’s Enclave in New Delhi, focusing on strengthening trade, economic, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
• Their discussion aimed to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
• Earlier, Union Minister JP Nadda met PM Ramgoolam, highlighting the enduring cultural and civilizational bonds between India and Mauritius.
• Nadda noted that Ramgoolam’s visit builds on PM Modi’s earlier trip to Mauritius, which elevated bilateral relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
• Recent initiatives, including an AYUSH Centre of Excellence and India’s support for the SSR National Hospital, were welcomed.
• Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expand collaboration in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, underscoring the trust and friendship defining the India-Mauritius partnership. (more)

India’s Operation Sindoor Targets JeM Chief’s Family

• A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) commander, Ilyas Kashmiri, has confirmed in a viral video that India’s Operation Sindoor “tore into pieces” the family of JeM chief Masood Azhar during missile strikes on May 7.
• The operation targeted the group’s headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, killing 10 of Azhar’s family members and four close associates.
• Those killed included Azhar’s sister, brother-in-law, nephew, niece and five children.
• The strike was a retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan Army Chief Accused of Supporting Terror Groups

• A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) commander, Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, has alleged that Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir sent senior officers to attend funerals of terrorists killed in India’s Operation Sindoor.
• The video of Kashmiri’s claim has sparked controversy, with India previously unveiling evidence of Pakistan giving state funerals to terrorists.
• Munir has faced international criticism for his nuclear threats and handling of terrorism.
• Despite warnings, he has been praised by some US officials for counter-terrorism efforts. India is lobbying for Pakistan’s re-listing on the FATF grey list for failing to enact an anti-terror law
• Controversial Appointment: Munir’s appointment was seen as a political deal between the Sharif family and the military, raising questions about his legitimacy.
• Authoritarian Tendencies: Munir has been accused of suppressing dissent, orchestrating court martials, and targeting political opponents, including Imran Khan.
• Human Rights Issues: His tenure has seen human rights concerns, including the Islamabad Massacre and harassment of military veterans’ families.
• Economic Challenges: Munir’s initiatives, such as the Special Investment Facilitation Council, have failed to attract significant investment, and Pakistan’s economy continues to struggle.
• Extension of Tenure: Munir’s extension from three to five years has sparked protests and criticism, with concerns about his prolonged grip on power. (more)

China and Pakistan Strengthen Business Ties

• Pakistan and China are bolstering their economic partnership through various initiatives. Here are some key developments:
• Investment and Trade: The “World Meets GZ – 2025 Pakistan Business and Investment Exchange Conference” was held in Guangzhou, China, aiming to guide enterprises on entering the Pakistani market. Over 100 representatives from both countries attended to explore cooperation opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, energy, e-commerce, and IT.
• CPEC Phase 2.0: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered a new phase, focusing on advanced technological transfer, transformative socio-economic projects, and a multi-dimensional framework with five thematic corridors.
• Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has been spearheading efforts to revitalize CPEC and address outstanding issues.
• Financing Consortium: Pakistan and China have agreed to establish a $7 billion financing consortium for the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, comprising international and bilateral financiers like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
• Key Focus Areas: The partnership prioritizes:
• Economic Growth: Establishing growth corridors and advancing tech-driven industries.
• Sustainable Development: Investing in renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, and smart grids.
• Agricultural Modernization: Integrating Chinese agricultural technology to increase food production and ensure national food security.
• Industrialization: Developing special economic zones and encouraging Chinese investment in Karachi and Islamabad.

Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Economic Ties with $10 Billion Trade Goal

• Pakistan and Iran have signed key protocols to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion, emphasizing the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.
• The agreement was made during the 22^nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Tehran. Both countries aim to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including:
• Trade and Investment: Removing barriers, operationalizing border markets, and promoting business-to-business meetings
• Energy and Infrastructure: Enhancing electricity supply, resuming construction of a 220-kilovolt transmission line to Gwadar, and exploring renewable energy projects
• Agriculture and Environment: Implementing agreements on veterinary health, combating pests, and addressing climate challenges
• Transportation and Connectivity: Strengthening road, rail, air, and maritime transport linkages
• Cultural and Educational Ties: Promoting cultural festivals, media collaborations, and academic partnerships
• The JEC meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening economic, commercial, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran. (more)

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Pakistani Officials for Human Rights Abuses

• A bipartisan bill, the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act, has been introduced in the US Congress to impose sanctions on Pakistani officials responsible for human rights abuses and actions undermining democracy.
• The bill, led by Representatives Bill Huizenga and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, aims to hold accountable those who commit or downplay blatant human rights abuses. Key Provisions:
• Sanctions: Authorizes the US President to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on current or former senior officials of Pakistan’s government, military, or security forces.
• Democracy Support: Reaffirms US support for free and fair elections in Pakistan and emphasizes upholding democratic institutions and human rights.
• Bipartisan Backing: The bill has strong bipartisan support, increasing its likelihood of progress through Congress.
• The bill is seen as a major step toward promoting democracy and human rights in Pakistan, with Pakistani-American advocacy groups playing a central role in promoting the legislation (more).

China Urges US and Japan to Withdraw Typhon Missile System

• China has called on the US and Japan to “promptly withdraw” the Typhon missile system, which was showcased in Japan for the first time during joint military exercises.
• The US-developed system can launch SM-6 missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles from ground-based trailers.
• China’s Foreign Ministry expressed “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” to the deployment, citing concerns about regional security and the risk of an arms race.
• Japan’s Self-Defense Forces said the system would not be fired during the exercises, part of the annual “Resolute Dragon” drills with the US.
• The deployment has heightened tensions, with China warning of potential military confrontation.
• The system was also deployed in the Philippines in 2024, sparking Beijing’s ire. The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic efforts underway to ease tensions. (more)

Jamaat-e-Islami Pushes for Proportional Representation System in Bangladesh Elections

• Jamaat-e-Islami has urged the adoption of a proportional representation system in Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections, suggesting it be implemented at least once to gauge its effectiveness.
• The party’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, emphasized that the traditional system has failed to produce free and fair elections over the past 54 years. Key Points:
• PR System Support: 26 out of 31 political parties favor introducing the PR system, with Jamaat-e-Islami advocating for its implementation in both houses of parliament.
• BNP’s Stance: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) opposes the PR system, terming it “illogical” and “delaying tactics” that could disrupt the electoral process.
• Election Preparations: BNP is gearing up for the February elections with a countrywide campaign to improve its public image and reassure voters of its commitment to reforms.
• National Consensus Commission: Disagreements have arisen regarding the implementation of electoral reforms, with questions about the sincerity of parties involved in the National Consensus Commission talks (more, more)