1. BJP-led NDA outlines Game Plan at key meet—Op Sindoor, caste census, Emergency & best practices
2. Clash erupts after march to Manipur Raj Bhavan foiled
3. Pakistan Modernising Nuclear Arsenal, Sees India As An Existential Threat: US Report
4. India Welcomes UK-Mauritius Deal on Chagos Islands
5. India Urges Turkey to Dissuade Pakistan from Cross-Border Terrorism

What Else

1. India and Canada Discuss Strengthening Economic Ties
2. Maldives Foreign Minister Arrives in India for High-Level Talks
3. CDS Reviews Army’s Combat Readiness Amid Evolving Threats
4. Indian Coast Guard Rescues 24 Crew Members from Capsized Container Ship
5. RBI Transfers Record Rs 2.69 Lakh Crore Surplus to Centre
6. Lalu Yadav Expels Son Tej Pratap from RJD Over “Ignoring Moral Values”
7. Indian All-Party Delegation Intensifies Global Campaign Against Cross-Border Terrorism
8. Tharoor slams Kerala Govt for aid to Turkiye in 2023; Brittas reminds him aid was part of Union Govt’s ‘Operation Dost’
9. China and Russia Strengthen Ties
10. ‘When America wanted St. Martin’s Island…’: Hasina drops bombshell, says Yunus is selling Bangladesh to US
11. Bangladesh: War Crimes Tribunal Receives First Formal Charge
12. Bangladesh: Chief Adviser Yunus Voices Concern Over ‘Indian Hegemony’
13. Bangladesh: Government Employees Protest Against New Ordinance
14. Pakistan, Turkiye vow to elevate strategic partnership to ‘greater heights’
15. Pakistan: Nine Indian-Sponsored Terrorists Killed in KP Operations- ISPR
16. Pakistan to Increase Defence Budget Amid National Security Concerns

BJP-led NDA outlines Game Plan at key meet—Op Sindoor, caste census, Emergency & best practices

• The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance held a conclave of chief ministers and deputy chief ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Two resolutions were passed: one praising the Indian armed forces and Modi’s leadership during Operation Sindoor, and another commending the central govt’s decision to conduct a nationwide caste census.
• The conclave also decided to launch 4 mass outreach programs, including one to amplify the importance of a caste census and another to mark 50 years since the imposition of the Emergency.
• Best practices of NDA-ruled states were discussed, including initiatives like Bastar Olympics, Jal Jeevan Hariyali scheme, and efforts to implement the Uniform Civil Code.
• The conclave aimed to consolidate NDA’s core constituents and capitalize on nationalism sentiment ahead of the Bihar elections.
• Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh also attended the meeting. (more)

Clash erupts after march to Manipur Raj Bhavan foiled

• Protests erupted in Manipur’s Imphal Valley on Sun, May 25, following a call by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) for a civil disobedience campaign.
• Five protesters were reportedly injured and hospitalised.
• COCOMI is upset with Governor Bhalla for not apologizing for an incident where security personnel allegedly made journalists and officials cover “Manipur State Transport” on their bus, perceived as undermining Manipur’s identity.
• COCOMI had given a 48-hour ultimatum for the Governor to apologize and for the resignation of top officials, including the Security Adviser, Chief Secretary, and Director-General of Police.
• The protests led to scuffles with security personnel, injuring 5 protesters.
• COCOMI has condemned the security forces’ actions and plans to send a delegation to New Delhi to meet Union Home Ministry officials, seeking action on their demands, including the
• Governor’s apology and the removal of the top officials.
• The Governor has been Manipur’s administrator since the President’s Rule was imposed on Feb 13 after Nongthombam Biren Singh resigned as the Chief Minister. (more)

Pakistan Modernising Nuclear Arsenal, Sees India As An Existential Threat: US Report

• A recent US global threat assessment report highlights the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan viewing India as an “existential threat.”
• According to the report, Pakistan is prioritizing nuclear arsenal modernization to offset India’s conventional military advantage.
• The report also notes Pakistan’s close military and economic ties with China, which likely provide materials and technology to support Pakistan’s WMD programs.
• In contrast, the report states that India views China as its primary adversary and Pakistan as a secondary security concern.
• India is reportedly focused on demonstrating global leadership, countering China, and enhancing its military power.
• The report also mentions India’s efforts to modernize its military, including testing nuclear-capable missiles and commissioning its second nuclear-powered submarine.
• The report touches on recent military confrontations between India and Pakistan, including Operation Sindoor, where both countries conducted strikes on each other’s territory.
• Overall, the report provides insights into the complex security dynamics between India, Pakistan, and China, highlighting the region’s ongoing tensions and modernization efforts.
• Both countries are working to strengthen their military capabilities. (more)
• India is pursuing low-level engagement with the Taliban, focused on humanitarian assistance, countering terrorism, and enabling private sector growth, the report says.

India Welcomes UK-Mauritius Deal on Chagos Islands

• India has welcomed the agreement between the UK and Mauritius on the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, calling it a milestone in completing Mauritius’s decolonization.
• The deal, finalized on May 23, involves the UK transferring sovereignty to Mauritius, which will then lease back Diego Garcia for £101 million annually.
• India had consistently supported Mauritius’s claim, citing principles of decolonization, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
• The agreement marks a significant development in the region, with India reaffirming its commitment to working with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to strengthen maritime security and regional stability in the Indian Ocean.
• The US has also welcomed the agreement, emphasizing the importance of the Diego Garcia military base for regional and global security.
• The deal has drawn criticism from some UK politicians, who claim it plays into China’s hands, but Mauritius has strong strategic ties with India. (more, more)

India Urges Turkey to Dissuade Pakistan from Cross-Border Terrorism

• India has strongly urged Turkey to dissuade Pakistan from using terrorism as an instrument of state policy and take credible actions against its terror ecosystem.
• The call comes amid strained ties between India and Turkey due to Ankara’s increasing support for Pakistan, including military aid.
• India expects Turkey to respect its concerns and address the problem of cross-border terrorism.
• Turkey’s recent actions, including providing drones to Pakistan and standing in solidarity with Islamabad after India’s precision strikes on terror infrastructure, have drawn criticism from India.
• Amid growing anti-Turkey sentiments in India, citizens are calling for a boycott of Turkish goods and services.
• India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson emphasized that relations between countries are built on mutual respect and sensitivity to each other’s concerns. (more)

India and Canada Discuss Strengthening Economic Ties

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand held their first phone conversation, focusing on deepening bilateral economic ties and advancing shared priorities.
• The discussion comes amid renewed efforts to mend relations between the two countries following the exit of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil had severely strained ties between the two nations.
• However, with Trudeau’s exit and Mark Carney’s election victory, both sides are looking to reset their relationship.
• Jaishankar and Anand expressed optimism about improving India-Canada ties, with Jaishankar wishing Anand success in her tenure.
• The two ministers discussed the prospects of bilateral cooperation, and Anand appreciated the productive discussion, looking forward to continued collaboration.
• India has expressed hope to rebuild ties with Canada based on mutual trust and sensitivity. (more)

Maldives Foreign Minister Arrives in India for High-Level Talks

• Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel has arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit, leading the Maldivian delegation at the 2^nd High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting.
• The meeting aims to review the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision of a Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership.
• Recently, India extended financial support to the Maldives by rolling over a $50 mn treasury bill, which Khaleel appreciated, citing close bonds of friendship between the two nations.
• The talks will focus on deepening cooperation in areas like maritime security, trade, and infrastructure (more)

CDS Reviews Army’s Combat Readiness Amid Evolving Threats

• Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan conducted a strategic review of the Indian Army’s combat readiness at the northern and western theatres following Operation Sindoor.
• He emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, jointness, and synergy across services to address evolving threats. Gen Chauhan commended the overall synergy and timely achievement of tasks under challenging conditions.
• He also urged the commanders to aid in rehabilitating civilians targeted by adversaries.
• The CDS was briefed on operational preparedness, efforts to eradicate terrorism, and rehabilitation efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
• He lauded the valour and discipline of troops and acknowledged operational excellence in the northern and western borders.
• Gen Chauhan expressed appreciation for the successful execution of military operations, attributing the success to the high morale, discipline, and commitment of the Army. (more)

Indian Coast Guard Rescues 24 Crew Members from Capsized Container Ship

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully rescued all 24 crew members of the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3, which capsized 38 nautical miles southwest of the Kochi coast due to flooding in one of its holds.
• The rescue operation was conducted in two phases, with 21 crew members rescued initially and the remaining 3, including the Captain, Chief Engineer, and Second Engineer, rescued by INS Sujata on Sun morning.
• All crew members are now safe, and the ICG is assessing the situation to prevent environmental damage and determine if the vessel can be towed. (more)

RBI Transfers Record Rs 2.69 Lakh Crore Surplus to Centre

• The Reserve Bank of India’s central board has approved a record surplus transfer of Rs 2.69 lakh crore to the central government for the fiscal year 2024-25.
• This is the highest-ever surplus transfer by the RBI to the govt, surpassing the previous year’s transfer of Rs 2.1 lakh crore.
• The board also increased the Contingency Risk Buffer (CRB) to 7.50% and approved the RBI’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2024-25.
• The surplus transfer is in line with expectations and will support the govt’s budget for FY26. (more)

Lalu Yadav Expels Son Tej Pratap from RJD Over “Ignoring Moral Values”

• RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has expelled his elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, from the party for six years, citing “ignoring moral values” in his personal life.
• The decision came after Tej Pratap shared a now-deleted Facebook post claiming he had been in a 12-year relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav, sparking controversy over his 2018 marriage to Aishwarya Rai, which ended in separation.
• Lalu Yadav stated that his son’s actions don’t align with the family’s values, and the family has also disowned him.
• Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap’s younger brother, maintained that political and personal life are different. (more)

Indian All-Party Delegation Intensifies Global Campaign Against Cross-Border Terrorism

• The Indian all-party delegation has been actively engaging with international partners to highlight India’s stance on cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s role in supporting it.
• Here are the key activities from the last three days:
• Delegation to Japan: Led by Janata Dal United (JDU) MP Sanjay Jha, the delegation concluded its visit to Japan from May 22-24, where they met with Japanese officials, including Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Speaker of the House of Representatives Fukushiro Nukaga.
• Key Discussions: The delegation emphasized India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, highlighted Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups, and urged international partners to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions.
• Visit to Bahrain: Another delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda visited Bahrain, where they interacted with prominent figures, including a meeting where AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi referred to Pakistan as a “failed state” and emphasized the need for international cooperation to curb terror financing.
• United Stance: Despite political differences, the MPs are united in their stance against terrorism, demonstrating India’s national consensus on combating terrorism
• No one sitting in Pakistan will be allowed to believe they can just kill Indian citizens with impunity: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor led a delegation of Indian parliamentarians to several countries, conveying India’s resolve against terrorism and highlighting Pakistan’s links to it.
• Tharoor emphasized that India doesn’t want war but will defend itself against terrorism.
• He cited the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• Tharoor stated that there’s now a “new norm” where those in Pakistan won’t be allowed to cross the border and kill Indians with impunity, and there will be a “price to pay”. (more)

Tharoor slams Kerala Govt for aid to Turkiye in 2023; Brittas reminds him aid was part of Union Govt’s ‘Operation Dost’

• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and CPI(M) MP John Brittas sparred over Kerala’s ₹10 crore aid to Turkiye after an earthquake in 2023. Tharoor called it “misplaced generosity” given Turkiye’s recent support to Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict.
• Brittas accused Tharoor of “selective amnesia” for not mentioning the Indian govt’s Operation Dost to help Turkiye.
• Brittas also questioned Tharoor about Congress’s ₹25 million aid to Pakistan during floods in 2010, two years after the Mumbai attack.
• The exchange occurred while both MPs were part of separate delegations visiting countries abroad. (more)

[neighborhood]

China and Russia Strengthen Ties

• China and Russia have strengthened their strategic partnership, with Chinese President Xi visiting Russia to attend the 80^th-anniversary celebration of Victory Day in World War II.
• The two leaders signed a joint statement, vowing to deepen mutual trust and cooperation between their militaries, expand joint exercises, and organize regular joint sea and air patrols.
• Notably, the statement avoided wording that could irk Japan, such as references to maintaining security in Northeast Asia or investment in a special economic zone on disputed islands claimed by Japan.
• The leaders also pledged to respond to Washington’s “dual containment” policy towards them.
• Their partnership aims to counterbalance Western power, with cooperation extending to areas like energy, trade, and space exploration, including a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2035.
• This alignment reflects a deeper ideological and strategic commitment to constructing parallel systems in trade, security, and information governance. (more)

‘When America wanted St. Martin’s Island…’: Hasina drops bombshell, says Yunus is selling Bangladesh to US

• Former Bangladesh depost PM Sheikh Hasina has launched a scathing attack on interim govt chief Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of “selling off” the country to the US and seizing power with the help of militants.
• Hasina claims Yunus is compromising Bangladesh’s sovereignty by appointing foreign citizens to key national roles, particularly in national security.
• Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has also criticized Yunus, calling him a “dictator” who is enabling mob violence and shielding perpetrators of unrest.
• Hasina invoked her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who she said lost his life for refusing to surrender St. Martin’s Island to the US.
• She said Yunus is doing the opposite, prioritizing American interests over Bangladesh’s.
• Wazed further accused Yunus’s regime of facilitating the rise of Islamist forces by releasing convicted terrorists from jail and putting Bangladesh’s sovereignty at risk.
• The tension between Hasina and Yunus escalates amid warnings from Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman for Yunus to hold elections by Dec.
• Hasina has also condemned the ban on her party, the Awami League, as unconstitutional, questioning Yunus’s authority to make such decisions without a parliamentary mandate (more)

Bangladesh: War Crimes Tribunal Receives First Formal Charge

• The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has received its first formal charge related to the July student-led uprising.
• Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam submitted the charge, which accuses 8 individuals, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman, of atrocities committed in the capital’s Chankharpul area.
• The charge is based on an investigation report and supporting documents provided by the investigation agency.
• If the tribunal takes cognizance of the charge, the trial will begin formally.
• Four of the accused are currently in custody, while the remaining four are at large.
• The tribunal will hold a hearing on the matter.
• This marks the first formal charge since the tribunal’s reconstitution following the uprising, signaling progress in holding those responsible for violence and human rights abuses accountable. (more)

Bangladesh: Chief Adviser Yunus Voices Concern Over ‘Indian Hegemony’

• Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed concerns about India’s influence, stating that Bangladesh faces a major crisis due to Indian hegemony.
• According to Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Yunus believes India doesn’t want to accept the current changes in the country and is working to undermine it.
• This statement comes amid tensions between the two nations, with India recently voicing concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
• Yunus, however, has reassured India about the safety of minorities, affirming his commitment to protecting them during a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• In recent meetings with political parties and organizations, Yunus described the country as being in a “war-like situation” due to destabilization efforts since the ban on the Awami League’s activities.
• [It’s obvious when someone is installed with foreign backing, after toppling an elected leader through chaos.]
• He emphasized the importance of national unity and expressed confidence in holding a fair election between Dec and Jun next year. [Not in Dec]
• Party leaders demanded a clear roadmap for reforms, trials for the Jul atrocities, and the election (more, more)

Bangladesh: Government Employees Protest Against New Ordinance

• Hundreds of employees at the Bangladesh Secretariat staged a protest for the 2^nd consecutive day against the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.
• The ordinance, approved by the Advisory Council of the interim govt, amends the Public Service Act, 2018, and allows for easier disciplinary action, including dismissal, against govt staff.
• Employees claim the amendments are “regressive” and “unconstitutional,” drawing from a special provision dating back over four decades.
• The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council, leading the protest, demands the ordinance’s withdrawal, labeling it “oppressive” and a “black law”.
• Despite the protests, the govt has issued the ordinance.
• The employees have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the ordinance is repealed (more, more)

Pakistan, Turkiye vow to elevate strategic partnership to ‘greater heights’

• Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
• The meeting, part of Sharif’s 5-day regional diplomacy tour, also included discussions on regional issues and the fight against terrorism.
• Sharif thanked Erdogan for Turkiye’s support during the recent Pakistan-India standoff, which was triggered by a militant attack in Kashmir and led to missile and drone strikes, killing around 70 people on both sides, before a ceasefire was reached on May 10.
• The leaders aimed to reach a $5 billion annual bilateral trade target and reviewed the implementation of key decisions from the 7^th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council session.
• They exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues, including Pakistan’s stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which Turkiye supported.
• Both leaders pledged to further strengthen their strategic partnership and bilateral relations, emphasizing joint ventures, investment, and trade in areas like renewable energy, IT, defence production, and agriculture. (more, more)
• Taking to X, the PM wrote that he expressed gratitude to Erdogan for Turkiye’s support during the brief conflict with India earlier this month.

Pakistan: Nine Indian-Sponsored Terrorists Killed in KP Operations- ISPR

• Security forces in Pakistan have killed nine Indian-sponsored terrorists in 3 separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• The operations were conducted in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, and Khyber districts, resulting in the recovery of weapons and ammunition.
• The terrorists were involved in numerous terrorist activities in the region.
• The military’s media wing stated that security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism.
• The killings come amid a surge in terror incidents in Pakistan since the Taliban returned to Afghanistan in 2021.
• Meanwhile, the death toll in the Khuzdar bus blast rose to 8, with PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir vowing to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice.
• The govt and military leadership have reiterated their resolve to pursue all Indian proxies and facilitators of terrorism with full force. (more, more)

Pakistan to Increase Defence Budget Amid National Security Concerns

• The Pakistani government is set to increase the defence budget in the upcoming fiscal plan, citing national security priorities.
• Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed the increase while addressing a delegation of engineers, adding that there is no pressure from the International Monetary Fund regarding the budget.
• The govt will prioritize water-related projects, including the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, to ensure long-term water security in response to India’s water-related aggression.
• Iqbal also assured that the government intends to provide relief to the public and will introduce a paid internship program for young engineers.
• The defence budget increase is linked to the security situation, and the govt will also consider increasing salaries for defence and civilian personnel.

The budget is expected to be finalized soon, with the IMF and World Bank engaging with the government on economic policies and reforms. (more)