1. PM lauds Indian troops for Operation Sindoor, warns Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism
2. Pakistan FO: Modi’s speech undermines peace, justifies aggression
3. India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: Diplomatic Expulsions Amid Espionage and Terrorism
4. New Delhi rejects Trump’s claim on India-Pak ceasefire, says trade never came up
5. India briefs foreign defence attaches on Operation Sindoor, excludes China & Turkey

What Else

1. India-Bangladesh Tensions Escalate Over Awami League Ban and Electoral Process
2. Telugu-speaking states are taking lead in showing gratitude to armed forces for Op Sindoor
3. First civilian casualty outside J&K: Punjab woman dies after Pakistani drone attack
4. Not enough being said about Kashmiris killed in Pak shelling: Omar Abdullah
5. HD Hyundai & Cochin Shipyard in talks for Rs 10,000 crore project
6. India’s Strike On 11 Airbases destroyed 20% of PAF Infra, Several Fighter Jets: News18 reported
7. India names China as supplier of missiles used by Pak, shows remnants
8. India Clarifies Military Action Amid Social Media Buzz
9. Kuttay, TRF chief behind Pahalgam attack killed along with 2 terrorists in an encounter in J&K’s Shopian
10. Manipur ethnic clashes: NIA arrests key KCP-PWG cadre in murder, abduction case
11. In a first, 3-nm chips will be designed in India, announces Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
12. BJP Minister’s ‘Pak’ remark for Colonel Sofiya Qureshi backfires
13. Pakistan: Locations of downed Indian aircraft disclosed by security sources
14. Qureshi Urges Internal Political Ceasefire for National Dialogue
15. Pakistan: Modi’s days are numbered: Khawaja Asif
16. Pakistan’s ‘ABC’ system against India: SCMP daily highlights
17. Bangladesh: CPB opposes rewriting the constitution
18. Bangladesh: Momtaz Begum remanded for 4 days
19. IMF to release loan as Bangladesh to go for flexible exchange rate

PM lauds Indian troops for Operation Sindoor, warns Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism

• PM Modi addressed troops at the Adampur airbase in Punjab, near the Pakistan border, to highlight India’s military achievements in Operation Sindoor.
• He stated that the operation has drawn a clear line for Pakistan regarding its sponsorship of terror.
• Modi praised the military for humbling Pakistan and destroying nine terror sites and damaging eight military installations.
• He reiterated India’s anti-terror policy, emphasizing that nuclear blackmail won’t deter India and that acts of terror will be seen as acts of war.
• Modi also commended the armed forces for their valour and dedication, saying their actions will be etched in history.
• He castigated Pakistan for using civilian aircraft as cover during military exchanges and warned that those sponsoring terrorism will face destruction.
• Modi’s speech aimed to counter Pakistan’s recent claims of destroying Indian military installations. (more)

Pakistan FO: Modi’s speech undermines peace, justifies aggression

• The Pakistani Foreign Office rejected PM Modi’s statements, calling them “inflammatory and provocative.”
• Spox said Modi’s remarks were rooted in misinformation and disregard for international law.
• Pakistan remains committed to a recent ceasefire understanding and efforts towards de-escalation and regional stability.
• Spox denied allegations related to the Pahalgam attack, calling it a “politically motivated and concocted story” aimed at justifying aggression against Pakistan.
• Spox warned that India’s actions set a dangerous precedent and urged the international community to monitor India’s behavior.
• Pakistan affirmed its right to self-defense and vowed to preserve its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.
• The Spox also expressed support for US President Trump’s efforts to resolve the Kashmir dispute and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace, while warning that its resolve should not be mistaken for weakness. (more)

India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: Diplomatic Expulsions Amid Espionage and Terrorism

• India has expelled a Pakistani diplomat, identified as Ehsan Ur Rahim alias Danish, from its High Commission in New Delhi due to allegations of espionage.
• The Ministry of External Affairs declared Danish persona non grata [an unwelcome person] for actions incompatible with his diplomatic status and asked him to leave within 24 hours.
• A demarche was issued to the Pakistani Charge d’Affaires.
• The expulsion follows the arrest of 2 individuals, Guzala and Yameen Mohammed, by the Punjab Police for leaking sensitive military information to Pakistan.
• Guzala allegedly met Danish at the Pakistan High Commission while applying for a visa and was paid Rs 30,000 to share classified data.
• In response to India’s move, Pakistan expelled an Indian High Commission staffer in Islamabad.
• This diplomatic row comes amid heightened tensions after a recent terror attack in Pahalgam and India’s military response, Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• India and Pakistan have since agreed to cease hostilities, with their Directors General of Military Operations holding talks to maintain the fragile peace (more, more)

New Delhi rejects Trump’s claim on India-Pak ceasefire, says trade never came up

• The Indian govt has rejected US President Trump’s claim that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in exchange for trade concessions.
• The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the trade issue did not arise in any discussions between the two nations during the recent military escalation.
• According to the MEA, conversations between Indian and US leaders focused solely on the evolving military situation.
• The ceasefire was facilitated by a phone call between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries on May 10.
• India had launched Operation Sindoor in response to a terrorist attack on April 22, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
• The MEA emphasized that it was the force of Indian arms that compelled Pakistan to stop its firing, particularly after India mounted an effective attack on key Pakistan Air Force bases on May 10 (more)

India briefs foreign defence attaches on Operation Sindoor, excludes China & Turkey

• India briefed defence attaches from 70 nations on Operation Sindoor, a military operation conducted in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
• The briefing, led by Defence Intelligence chief Lt Gen DS Rana, highlighted India’s military superiority, national resolve, and joint functioning of the armed forces during the operation.
• Military Strikes: India struck nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, followed by additional strikes on Pakistani air defence units, radar sites and airbases.
• Technological Superiority: The operation showcased India’s technological superiority in niche non-kinetic domains of space, cyber, and electronic warfare.
• International Engagement: India had previously briefed the envoys of 13 UNSC member states about Operation Sindoor, excluding Pakistan and Sierra Leone.
• Notable Exclusions from Briefing:
• China: Used JF-17 warplanes and PL-15 missiles in Pakistan’s attacks on India, and issued statements favourable to Pakistan.
• Turkey: Provided drones used by Pakistan to attack India, and extended “unwavering support” to Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.
• The exclusions likely stem from their active involvement in Pakistan’s attacks on India and biased statements in favour of Pakistan. (more)

India-Bangladesh Tensions Escalate Over Awami League Ban and Electoral Process

• India has expressed concern over Bangladesh’s decision to ban the Awami League, the country’s oldest political party, citing a lack of due process.
• The Ministry of External Affairs Spox Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s support for free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh.
• In response, Bangladesh’s Press Secretary to Prof. Yunus, Shafiqul Alam, defended the ban, accusing the AL of “kleptocratic rule” and “crimes against humanity” during its 15-year tenure.
• Alam stressed that elections are an internal matter and urged respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
• The Awami League has rejected the ban and vowed to continue operations, amid Bangladesh’s preparations for December elections.
• India’s call for inclusivity in the electoral process has added to the tension between the two nations. (more, more)

Telugu-speaking states are taking lead in showing gratitude to armed forces for Op Sindoor

• The Andhra Pradesh govt, led by Chandrababu Naidu, has exempted defence personnel’s homes within gram panchayat limits from property tax, honoring their bravery.
• This benefit applies to all active defence personnel, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces.
• Additionally, the government announced Rs 50 lakh ex gratia for the family of Agniveer Murali Naik, killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan.
• Naik’s family will also receive 5 acres of land and a house site.
• Telangana CM Revanth Reddy pledged his month’s salary to the National Defence Fund, urging others to join. (more)

First civilian casualty outside J&K: Punjab woman dies after Pakistani drone attack

• A 50-year-old woman, Sukhwinder Kaur, from Punjab’s Ferozepur, died from burn injuries sustained in a Pakistani drone attack on May 8.
• The drone, intercepted by India’s air defense system, fell on her house, causing a fire that injured Kaur, her husband Lakhwinder Singh, and son Jaswant Singh.
• Kaur succumbed to her injuries, while her family members are undergoing treatment.
• This incident marks the first recorded civil casualty outside Jammu and Kashmir.
• Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for Kaur’s family, expressing grief over her death.
• Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora also provided financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh.
• The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, which recently agreed to a ceasefire after a week of fighting.
• PM Modi warned that the country’s pause on attacks depends on Pakistan’s future behavior (more)

Not enough being said about Kashmiris killed in Pak shelling: Omar Abdullah

• Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the “selective outrage” over the recent Pahalgam terror attack, pointing out the lack of national attention to civilian casualties caused by Pakistan’s cross-border shelling in the region.
• Abdullah noted that lives lost in J&K, including Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs, were being ignored, with the loss of innocent lives reduced to “lip service.”
• He highlighted the deaths of 12-year-old twins Zoya and Ayan Khan, who were killed in Poonch district, and an additional district development commissioner who died in Ramban.
• Abdullah expressed disappointment that these stories were not being told, while the Pahalgam attack received widespread attention.
• He supported PM Modi’s assertion that India would retaliate strongly against future terror strikes, stating that every Indian who believes in their country’s right to peaceful existence would support this stance. (more)

HD Hyundai & Cochin Shipyard in talks for Rs 10,000 crore project

• India is poised to become a global shipbuilding hub with the government identifying strategic coastal land in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Andhra for mega shipbuilding and repair facilities.
• A potential Rs 10,000 crore project in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, is underway with South Korea’s HD Hyundai nearing a partnership with Cochin Shipyard Limited.
• The govt aims to increase India’s global shipbuilding share, currently less than 1%, by introducing new policies and financial support.
• The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy and Maritime Development Fund, worth Rs 18,090 crore and Rs 25,000 crore respectively, will provide capital support for world-class shipyards.
• India also plans to strengthen shipping operations through Bharat Container Line, reducing reliance on foreign-flagged vessels.
• The goal is to become one of the top 10 global shipbuilding nations by 2030 and top 5 by 2047, driven by partnerships, policy frameworks and investments (more)

India’s Strike On 11 Airbases destroyed 20% of PAF Infra, Several Fighter Jets: News18 reported

• India allegedly launched airstrikes on 11 Pakistani airbases on May 10, destroying 20% of Pakistan’s air force assets.
• The attack targeted major ammunition depots and airbases like Sargodha and Bholari, where F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets were stationed.
• Over 50 individuals, including Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf, were reportedly killed. The Indian government claims to have destroyed several Pakistani fighter jets.
• According to sources, the operation, code-named Operation Sindoor, was a historic milestone, marking the first time a country successfully attacked the airbases of a nuclear-armed nation.
• PM Modi stated that India’s drones and missiles attacked with precision, causing heavy damage to Pakistan.
• Satellite images showed the scale of destruction at airbases like Shahbaz in Jacobabad and Bholari.
• The incident reportedly resulted in significant losses for Pakistan’s air force infra. (more)

India names China as supplier of missiles used by Pak, shows remnants

• India presented visual evidence of missile remnants, including a Chinese-origin PL-15 long-range missile, allegedly used by Pakistan during recent hostilities.
• The missile’s debris was recovered from Indian territory. India also intercepted Turkish Byker YIHA III Kamikaze drones used by Pakistan.
• This marks the first time India has publicly named China in the conflict, highlighting China’s military ties with Pakistan.
• The development comes amid China’s efforts to play a constructive role in bringing about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
• India and Pakistan recently agreed to stop military actions, with China supporting a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. (more)

India Clarifies Military Action Amid Social Media Buzz

• The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that the country’s military action in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack was entirely in the conventional domain, with no nuclear involvement.
• MEA spox said Pakistan should answer questions about social media buzz on nuclear leakage and other claims.
• Spox emphasized that India’s targets were specific terrorist infrastructure sites responsible for the deaths of Indians and others worldwide.
• Spox urged Pakistan to acknowledge the consequences of nurturing terrorism, stating that claiming victory is an old habit for Pakistan.
• Spox also highlighted the difference in the sites attacked by both countries, suggesting that satellite pictures can provide a clear answer.
• India’s position remains unchanged, while Pakistan’s stance shifted after its airbases were effectively targeted on May 10 (more)

Kuttay, TRF chief behind Pahalgam attack killed along with 2 terrorists in an encounter in J&K’s Shopian

• Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district have killed 3 terrorists, including Shahid Kuttay, the chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy The Resistance Front, in an ongoing encounter known as Operation Keller.
• The operation began with a search and destroy mission based on specific intelligence inputs about terrorist presence in the Shukroo Keller area.
• During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire, prompting a fierce firefight that resulted in the elimination of the three hardcore terrorists.
• Kuttay was involved in several notable incidents, including the firing incident at Danish Resort on April 8, 2024, and the killing of a BJP Sarpanch at Heerpora, Shopian on May 18, 2024.
• This operation follows India’s recent success in Operation Sindoor (more)

Manipur ethnic clashes: NIA arrests key KCP-PWG cadre in murder, abduction case

• The National Investigation Agency has arrested Waikhom Rohit Singh, a key cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG), in connection with a murder and abduction case related to the ethnic clashes in Manipur.
• In Nov 2023, a mob forcibly took away 4 individuals from a detained vehicle, resulting in the recovery of three bodies later.
• Singh was involved in the conspiracy and execution of the crime.
• The NIA took over the case in Feb 2024 and is continuing the investigation, with Singh currently in judicial custody after completing his remand. (more)

In a first, 3-nm chips will be designed in India, announces Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

• India has taken a significant leap in its semiconductor journey with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announcing the design of 3-nanometer chips in the country for the first time.
• This milestone was marked by the inauguration of 2 state-of-the-art design facilities, Renesas Electronics India Private Limited, in Noida and Bengaluru.
• The facilities will work on cutting-edge 3-nm chip design, positioning India in the global semiconductor innovation league.
• The govt is committed to developing a pan-India semiconductor ecosystem, investing in talent development, and promoting industry growth, aiming to make India a global semiconductor leader (more)

BJP Minister’s ‘Pak’ remark for Colonel Sofiya Qureshi backfires

• Madhya Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah is embroiled in controversy for making communal remarks about Col Sofia Qureshi, an Indian Army officer.
• Shah claimed PM Modi sent Col Qureshi, referred to as a “sister from the same community” as terrorists in Pakistan, to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack.
• The comments sparked outrage, with the opposition Congress demanding Shah’s sacking, calling them an insult to women and the armed forces.
• Shah later claimed his remarks were misconstrued, saying Col Qureshi is “my sister” who avenged terrorist acts.
• This isn’t Shah’s first controversy. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Locations of downed Indian aircraft disclosed by security sources

• Pakistan and India have been engaged in a heated conflict, with tensions escalating after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on Apr 22, which killed 26 people.
• India blamed Pakistan-based elements, while Islamabad strongly denied the allegations.
• The situation spiralled into a grave military clash in decades after India launched “Operation Sandoor” against Pakistan, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure.
• Pakistan’s military claims to have shot down multiple Indian warplanes, including 3 Rafale jets, one SU-30, and one MiG-29, during a May 6-7 clash.
• The Indian aircraft allegedly crashed in various locations within Indian-administered Kashmir and India’s Punjab province.
• Pakistan asserts that its jets didn’t cross into Indian airspace, instead firing beyond visual range missiles.
• India hasn’t officially acknowledged the losses, but debris from three aircraft was reportedly found in at least three areas.
• The incident occurred amid escalating tensions between the two nations over Kashmir and cross-border militant activity
• However, fresh skirmishes were reported along the Line of Control after the truce.
• Pakistan reported 51 casualties, including 40 civilians and 11 military personnel, during India’s cross-border attacks. (more)
• [What puzzles me is that the debris from the aircraft fell in India, yet Pakistan has images of the wreckage.]

Qureshi Urges Internal Political Ceasefire for National Dialogue

• PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi has called for an internal political ceasefire to initiate a national dialogue on Pakistan’s existential challenges.
• In a letter from jail, Qureshi drew parallels with the recent ceasefire agreement with India, urging Pakistanis to put aside differences and work together.
• He praised the country’s armed forces for their professionalism and restraint in the face of Indian aggression, saying they earned global respect.
• Qureshi emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace and sovereignty while defending its people, soil, and honor. (more)

Pakistan: Modi’s days are numbered: Khawaja Asif

• Pakistan’s Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif believes Indian PM Modi’s days are numbered, citing mounting criticism within and outside the Indian Parliament.
• Asif outlined Pakistan’s stance ahead of potential dialogue with India, focusing on 3 core issues:
• Terrorism: Pakistan wants recognition for its efforts in combating terrorism and suggests investigating recent incidents.
• Kashmir Dispute: Asif stressed the need to address the longstanding conflict, seeking a resolution.
• Water Disputes: Pakistan criticizes India’s handling of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning against politicizing the issue.
• Asif accused India of supporting terrorism and called it an “international terrorist actor,” referencing alleged evidence in Canada and the US.
• He also believes Modi’s recent speech was an attempt to contain damage, but the situation has spiralled beyond repair.
• A fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan persists after diplomatic intervention, with both sides accusing each other of violations. (more)

Pakistan’s ‘ABC’ system against India: SCMP daily highlights

• A Chinese defense newspaper, China Space News, revealed that Pakistan’s Air Force employed an advanced “ABC” data-sharing system during recent hostilities with India.
• The system allowed ground radars to lock onto targets, fighter jets to launch missiles from safe distances, and airborne warning aircraft to guide the ordnance to its mark.
• This “locked by A, launched by B, guided by C” approach showcased networked, intelligent warfare, giving Pakistan a tactical advantage.
• The system allegedly led to the loss of 5 Indian aircraft.
• The report highlighted India’s limitations in data link unification and combat platform integration, warning that this could prove fatal in future conflicts.
• It also noted the potential for integrating drones into such networked combat systems, enhancing firepower and strike efficiency.
• The article emphasized the evolution of military confrontations from firepower exchange to systemic and asymmetric warfare. (more)

Bangladesh: CPB opposes rewriting the constitution

• The Communist Party of Bangladesh has opposed rewriting the constitution and proposed introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in national parliamentary elections.
• CPB president Mohammad Shah Alam stated that the party disagrees with the National Consensus Commission’s approach to constitutional reform, emphasizing that the 2024 mass uprising was driven by anti-dictatorship sentiment, not opposition to the liberation war or the 1972 constitution.
• The CPB supports major structural reforms and advocates for constitutional recognition of ethnic communities, fundamental rights to necessities, and strengthening parliamentary democracy.
• The party also recommends direct elections to reserved seats for women and a two-term limit for the prime minister.
• The CPB delegation met with the National Consensus Commission, expressing concerns about delaying elections due to controversy and urging reforms through an elected parliament.
• The party wants to move forward with electoral system reforms before the national election (more)

Bangladesh: Momtaz Begum remanded for 4 days

• A Dhaka court has granted a 4-day remand for former Awami League lawmaker and popular singer Momtaz Begum, accused of murder in the Sagar murder case.
• She was arrested by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s detective branch on Monday night in Dhanmondi.
• The police had requested a 7-day remand, but the court granted 4 days for questioning.
• Momtaz Begum, a folk singer and former lawmaker from Manikganj-2 constituency, faces multiple cases, including murder charges.
• Her arrest is part of the Bangladesh govt’s crackdown on the Awami League, which was banned under anti-terrorism laws in May 2025. (more)

IMF to release loan as Bangladesh to go for flexible exchange rate

• The Bangladesh Bank has agreed to adopt a more flexible US dollar-taka exchange rate, known as a “crawling peg” system, to secure the release of two more installments of the IMF’s $4.7 billion loan program.
• The IMF will disburse $1.3 billion in two tranches, expected to be received by June.
• Under the new system, the exchange rate can fluctuate by up to 2.5% from the current rate of Tk 119 per US dollar, allowing the dollar to be traded for up to Tk 123.
• Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur will hold a press conference to provide further details.
• The IMF and Bangladesh have been negotiating for nearly a month, with discussions held in Dhaka, Washington DC, and virtual meetings.
• The loan program, initiated in Jan 2023, has so far disbursed $2.31 billion, with $2.39 billion remaining. (more)