1. PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects in Gujarat
2. India pushing back ‘illegal’ immigrants to Bangladesh
3. India-Pakistan Conflict: Jaishankar Briefs Parliamentary Committee
4. India Resumes Issuing Visas to Afghan Nationals
5. CRPF Jawan Arrested for Spying for Pakistan

What Else

1. India-US Relations: Officials to Discuss Operation Sindoor and Bilateral Ties
2. French Senate panel concludes India visit aimed at strengthens strategic ties
3. Manipur Governor Escorted by Army Helicopter Amid Protests
4. India, Maldives hold High-Level Core Group Meeting; discuss implementation of joint vision document
5. India’s All-Party Delegation Conveys Zero-Tolerance Stance on Terrorism
6. Pakistan Ready for Talks with India, Says PM Shehbaz Sharif
7. Pak PM meets Iran’s Khamenei amid rising tensions with India, Asim Munir present
8. Pakistan: Imran Khan Calls for Nationwide Movement Amidst Ongoing Detention
9. Afghanistan Cracks Down on Anti-Pakistan Elements
10. Baloch Civilians and Activists Face Threats from ISIS and Pakistani Establishment
11. Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Sparks Controversy with Street Takeover Call
12. Bangladesh Army Chief’s Statement on Democracy Welcomed by BNP
13. Bangladesh’s National Consensus Commission Fails to Reach Agreement

PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects in Gujarat

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 53,400 crore in Bhuj, Gujarat.
• The projects include 18 dedicated development projects worth Rs 2,326 crore and 15 new projects valued at Rs 51,088 crore.
• During his visit, PM Modi emphasized the importance of renewable energy and announced that Kachchh is on track to become the world’s largest hub for green energy.
• He also highlighted the potential of green hydrogen as a next-generation fuel and laid the foundation for a green hydrogen plant in Kandla.
• Renewable Energy: Kachchh to become the world’s largest hub for green energy
• Green Hydrogen: Foundation stone laid for green hydrogen plant in Kandla
• Solar Energy: One of the world’s largest solar power projects under development in Kachchh
• Shipbuilding: India to manufacture large ships domestically for national and international demands
• Tourism: PM Modi emphasized Kachchh’s rich historical legacy, vibrant cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty as major tourist attractions
• PM Modi also criticized Pakistan for promoting terrorism and reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor. (more)

India pushing back ‘illegal’ immigrants to Bangladesh

• India has been pushing back undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, with over 500 migrants sent across the eastern border in the past month.
• On May 25, 160 migrants, including women and children, were flown from Ghaziabad to Agartala on an Indian Air Force plane and sent to Bangladesh.
• This move is part of the Indian government’s crackdown on illegal immigration, intensified after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
• The govt has asked states to identify and deport undocumented migrants, with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office arranging transportation and handing them over to the Border Security Force.
• Bangladesh has termed these “push-ins” unacceptable and vowed to intervene if necessary, while India has asked Bangladesh to verify the nationality of 2,369 migrants for deportation (more)
• A few days back–as we have reported– Bangladesh’s FM said that we are willing to accept our citizens, provided the proper verification.
• A significant number of undocumented Bangladeshi migrants (10-20 mn) are believed to be living in India, spread across urban and rural areas. (more)
• Some have reportedly adopted new identities, including Hindu names. (more)

India-Pakistan Conflict: Jaishankar Briefs Parliamentary Committee

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed a parliamentary committee on India’s diplomatic and military posture during the recent escalation with Pakistan.
• Jaishankar emphasized that New Delhi’s message to foreign govts was clear: “They fire, we fire. They stop, we stop.”
• He also highlighted India’s firm response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning of a potential Pakistani attack, stating that any major offensive would be met with an equally strong counter-offensive.
• Ceasefire Agreement: Jaishankar clarified that the ceasefire was a result of military-level engagement between India and Pakistan, not foreign mediation.
• International Support: Only Turkey and Azerbaijan openly supported Pakistan, while many countries backed India or supported its stance on cross-border terrorism.
• India’s Stance: Jaishankar emphasized that India and Pakistan were “very far away” from a nuclear conflict, as India’s strikes targeted terrorist facilities in a measured and non-escalatory manner. (more, more)

India Resumes Issuing Visas to Afghan Nationals

• India has resumed issuing visas to Afghan citizens in six categories: Student, Business, Medical, Medical Attendant, Entry, and UN Diplomat.
• This decision comes nearly 5 years after India suspended all visa services to Afghan nationals following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021.
• The Indian govt has created a window on its visa portal for online applications, allowing Afghan nationals to apply for visas with required documents, including a recent photograph, passport, and National Identity Card (Tazkira). Eligible Categories:
• Student Visa: For students pursuing higher education in India
• Business Visa: For investors, entrepreneurs, sportspersons, and coaches participating in commercial events
• Medical Visa and Medical Attendant: For medical treatment in India and attendants accompanying medical patients
• Entry Visa: For artists, cultural personalities, academicians, and professionals participating in cultural events or activities
• UN Diplomat Visa: For UN diplomats and officials
• This move aligns with India’s cautious diplomatic outreach to the Taliban administration, marked by recent ministerial-level contacts, including a phone conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Acting FM Amir Khan Muttaqi. (more)

CRPF Jawan Arrested for Spying for Pakistan

• A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, Assistant Sub-Inspector Moti Ram Jat, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly spying for Pakistan.
• Jat, who was posted in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, was transferred out 6 days before a deadly terrorist attack in the area.
• He had been sharing classified information with Pakistani intelligence officers since 2023 in exchange for money.
• The information shared included operational details of Indian security forces, movement patterns, and locations of key military installations.
• Jat has been dismissed from service and is currently being interrogated by NIA officials.
• He was presented before a special court, which remanded him to NIA custody till June 6.
• The arrest is part of a larger investigation into a Pakistan-linked spy network active across northern India, with at least 13 people arrested in the past two weeks. (more)

India-US Relations: Officials to Discuss Operation Sindoor and Bilateral Ties

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor will visit Washington to discuss India’s concerns over Operation Sindoor, a military operation targeting terrorist sites in Pakistan.
• The talks aim to clear the air on issues arising from the operation and state India’s stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
• They will also focus on taking bilateral ties forward, including discussing vacant key posts in the US administration dealing with India relations.
• Misri will meet senior US officials from May 27-29, while Kapoor will engage with the White House’s National Security Council.
• A nine-member delegation of parliamentarians, led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, will also visit Washington from Jun 3-6 to convey India’s bipartisan resolve against terrorism.
• The visits follow strained ties over US President Donald Trump’s remarks on mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. (more)

French Senate panel concludes India visit aimed at strengthens strategic ties

• A French Senate delegation, led by Senator Catherine Dumas, concluded a 6-day visit to India, strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and strategic ties between the two nations.
• The delegation met with Indian officials, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and members of the Standing Committees on Defence and External Affairs, led by Dr. Shashi Tharoor. Key highlights of the visit include:
• Defence Cooperation: Discussions on joint development and technological cooperation under the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Aerospace and Defence Innovation: Visits to Digantara, a space-tech start-up, and the Thales Engineering Competence Centre in Bengaluru.
• Sustainable Development: Tour of the SUEZ water treatment facility in Mumbai, reflecting shared interests in sustainable urban infrastructure.
• Naval Sector: Visit to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, a key player in India’s naval sector, building Scorpene/Kalvari-class submarines under technology transfer from France’s Naval Group.
• Solidarity Against Terrorism: The French delegation expressed unequivocal support for India in its fight against cross-border terrorism, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Both nations emphasized cooperation in defence, technology, and sustainable development, solidifying their strategic partnership. (more)

Manipur Governor Escorted by Army Helicopter Amid Protests

• Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was airlifted to Raj Bhawan in an Indian Army helicopter to avoid large-scale protests.
• The protests were sparked by a May 20 incident where central security personnel ordered the removal of the word ‘Manipur’ from a state transport bus.
• The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) led the protests, demanding a public apology from the Governor and the resignation of top officials.
• The committee has been spearheading a statewide agitation, with protesters forming a 5.5 km human chain and carrying banners demanding the Governor’s apology.
• A COCOMI delegation is set to meet with the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi to discuss unresolved political and security concerns in Manipur.
• The situation remains tense, with security forces deployed to maintain order. (more)

India, Maldives hold High-Level Core Group Meeting; discuss implementation of joint vision document

• India and the Maldives held the 2nd High-Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting in New Delhi, discussing the implementation of their Joint Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
• Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel led the delegation and met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
• They discussed strengthening political exchanges, defence cooperation, development partnership, trade, economy, health, and people-to-people linkages.
• Khaleel condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, expressed solidarity with India, and thanked the Indian government for timely emergency financial assistance.
• The two nations decided to hold the 3rd HLCG meeting in Male, Maldives.
• The meeting reinforced India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, emphasizing the importance of the India-Maldives partnership.
• The visit strengthened the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership between the two countries, focused on mutual growth and security.
• The Maldives is a key maritime neighbour and important partner for India. (more)

India’s All-Party Delegation Conveys Zero-Tolerance Stance on Terrorism

• India is taking a unified stand against terrorism, with an all-party delegation visiting several countries to convey a strong message.
• The delegation met with leaders in Guyana, Singapore, Kuwait, Qatar, South Korea, Congo, Slovenia, and Europe, emphasizing India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and exposing Pakistan’s disinformation tactics.
• Shashi Tharoor-led delegation met with Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, National Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir, and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Whitby Ship
• Sanjay Kumar Jha-led delegation: Visited Singapore and met with local leaders and think tanks, and emphasized the need for global support to fight against terrorism
• Baijayant Panda: Stated that India will not stay silent and will retaliate against terrorism
• Ravi Shankar Prasad: Met with European leaders and conveyed India’s strong and united stance against terrorism
• Shrikant Eknath Shinde-led delegation: Met with the Deputy PM of Congo and the President of the Senate and conveyed India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism
• All-party delegation: Met with Kuwaiti leadership and the Indian community to convey India’s stance on the fight against terrorism
• Met with Slovenian officials and conveyed India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism
• Met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Congo to convey India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism
• Visited Qatar and had a successful meeting, with Qatar standing with India against terrorism
• Met with South Korean leaders and conveyed India’s concerns
• Key Messages: India is united against terrorism
• Pakistan spreads disinformation and is a habitual offender
• India will not stay silent and will retaliate against terrorism
• Global support is needed to fight against terrorism
• India has a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism
• The all-party delegation’s visits and meetings aimed to convey India’s strong stance against terrorism and garner international support for India’s position. (ANI)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan Ready for Talks with India, Says PM Shehbaz Sharif

• During his visit to Iran, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with India to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue, water sharing, and trade.
• Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in the region, stating that his country is prepared to hold talks to address these issues.
• The Pakistani PM’s comments came during a joint presser with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshapian, who echoed Iran’s support for a durable ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
• Pezeshapian stressed the need for regional countries to engage in dialogue to resolve disputes and promote peace.
• Sharif’s visit to Iran also focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with discussions on increasing trade between the two countries to $10 billion in the coming years.
• The Pakistani PM also met with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and discussed matters of mutual interest.
• The development has sparked hope for a potential shift in Pakistan-India relations, with both countries open to dialogue and cooperation. (more, more)

Pak PM meets Iran’s Khamenei amid rising tensions with India, Asim Munir present

• Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, discussing regional stability, bilateral ties, and challenges facing the Muslim world.
• Sharif expressed gratitude for Iran’s support during recent tensions with India, particularly after Operation Sindoor, and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iran.
• He praised Ayatollah Khamenei as a highly respected figure in the Muslim world and invited him to visit Pakistan.
• Khamenei appreciated Sharif’s efforts towards regional peace and stability, and both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity, peace, and cooperation.
• They also discussed strategic cooperation, nuclear diplomacy, and the Palestinian cause, with Khamenei praying for Pakistan’s prosperity and growth. (more)

Pakistan: Imran Khan Calls for Nationwide Movement Amidst Ongoing Detention

• Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan has directed his party workers and leadership to prepare for a “major nationwide movement” to topple the current govt.
• Khan’s sister Aleema quoted him as saying that the movement will be launched across Pakistan, without specifying a date.
• Khan also emphasized that there is no room in the party for those who play both sides.
• Despite his call for protests, PTI is reportedly exploring fresh negotiations with the govt.
• Khan had recently agreed to initiate dialogue with the government, provided it is conducted away from media scrutiny.
• The development follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to PTI to join the national dialogue.
• Khan has been in jail since August 2023, facing multiple graft cases, and has complained about harsh treatment and lack of access to his family and personal physician. (more)

Afghanistan Cracks Down on Anti-Pakistan Elements

• The Afghan Taliban government has taken significant steps to address Pakistan’s concerns about terrorist groups operating from its soil.
• A Pakistani delegation’s visit to Kabul in March revealed a change in the Taliban’s approach, with the government cracking down on Afghan nationals involved with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
• Many Afghans recruiting for the TTP have been jailed, leading to a drop in suicide attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and improved ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• The two countries have agreed to exchange ambassadors, following a trilateral meeting in Beijing hosted by China.
• Pakistan’s decision to engage with the Taliban government is seen as a pragmatic approach, driven in part by the recent military escalation with India.
• The development marks a positive shift in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with both sides working to upgrade their ties. (more)

Baloch Civilians and Activists Face Threats from ISIS and Pakistani Establishment

• Baloch civilians and activists are facing threats from the Islamic State (ISIS) terror cells, which have announced war on Baloch militant groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).
• A prominent Baloch rights activist claims that ISIS is targeting Baloch civilians and political protesters, linking them to militant groups.
• The activist alleges that Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence is promoting the same narrative as ISIS, painting Baloch rights activists as “soft faces of militants”. Key Points:
• ISIS Threats: A 117-page booklet issued by ISIS claims Baloch activists are against “the rules of Islam” and features prominent Baloch figures, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a human rights activist nominated for the 2025 Nobel Prize.
• ISI Involvement: The ISI is accused of using ISIS to terrorize Baloch civilians and silence their voices, as public awareness grows about atrocities against Baloch civilians.
• Atrocities: Baloch activists and innocent civilians face atrocities at the hands of the Pakistani establishment, including fabricated allegations, intimidation, and misuse of anti-terrorism laws.
• Global Scrutiny: Pakistan’s alleged terror links may compound troubles for the country, already under global scrutiny for sponsoring terrorism in India. (more)

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Sparks Controversy with Street Takeover Call

• Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has ordered UML cadres to take control of Kathmandu streets on May 29 to counter a royalist rally, sparking widespread criticism.
• The rally, organized by pro-monarchy groups, aims to mark Republic Day with a peaceful protest.
• The ‘Joint People’s Movement Mobilisation Committee for the Restoration of the Monarchy’ has challenged Oli to walk alone in Kathmandu on May 29, just like former King Gyanendra Shah, without any security personnel or supporters.
• Oli’s remarks have raised concerns about potential clashes and the undermining of democratic rights.

• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): Expressed deep concern over Oli’s remarks, stating they encourage a culture of intolerance and contradict the rule of law.
• Nepali Congress Leaders: Criticized Oli’s comments, saying such statements should not come from the Prime Minister.
• They emphasized the importance of restraint and respecting democratic rights.
• Constitutional Expert Bipin Adhikari: Believes Oli’s statement appears intended to provoke the public and undermines the state’s monopoly on the use of force.
• Security Agencies: Prepared for potential protests on May 29, but concerned about the impact of Oli’s provocative statement on the situation.
• The UML claims its demonstration aims to celebrate Republic Day and counter misinformation spread by royalist groups, while pro-monarchy groups have challenged Oli to walk alone on the streets without security personnel. (more)
• No direct mention of India in the Iran release on PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Tehran visit.
• Also, Iran, India’s neighboring civilization, had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.

Bangladesh Army Chief’s Statement on Democracy Welcomed by BNP

• BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has welcomed the Bangladesh Army Chief’s statement about returning to the democratic process, questioning what’s wrong with the army chief speaking in favor of democracy.
• Khasru said the army chief’s proposal is a positive move, emphasizing the importance of establishing democracy and allowing people to exercise their right to vote. Key Points:
• Democracy: Khasru stressed that hindering democracy in the name of reform is unacceptable and that the BNP had spoken about reform seven years ago.
• Government and Military: The Army Headquarters has denied reports of a rift between the government and the military, stating that they are working together in coordination.
• Eid-ul-Azha Security: The army will conduct special operations to ensure smooth and secure travel during Eid-ul-Azha, including patrols and checkposts to prevent criminal activities.
• Livestock Markets: The army will also focus on ensuring public safety at livestock markets, which often become hotspots for extortion and robbery. (more, more)

Bangladesh’s National Consensus Commission Fails to Reach Agreement

• Bangladesh’s National Consensus Commission, led by Muhammad Yunus, has failed to reach an agreement among political parties on critical democratic reforms.
• Despite 45 sessions of talks with 38 political parties and alliances, the commission was unable to find consensus on several significant constitutional issues. Contentious Issues:
• Prime Minister’s Term Limit: Whether a prime minister can serve more than two terms
• President’s Selection Process: The process for selecting the president
• Interim Govt: The procedure for appointing the chief of the interim govt and its tenure
• Secularism vs Pluralism: Changing the constitution’s term from “secularism” to “pluralism”.
• The commission plans to conduct a household survey to gauge public opinion and will begin a second round of talks.
• The military has insisted that there is no division with the govt, and elections could be held as early as Dec. (more)