1. PM Modi Concludes Croatia Visit, Boosts Bilateral Ties
2. US-Pakistan Relations Intensify Amid Iran Tensions
3. Flight carrying over 100 Indian students, evacuated to Armenia from war-torn Iran, lands in Delhi
4. US-Iran Conflict Escalates: Trump Warns of Possible Strike
5. Trump Reiterates Claim of Stopping India-Pakistan War Despite Modi’s Counter

What Else

1. Canada Accuses India of Foreign Interference Amid Diplomatic Thaw
2. Air India Cuts International Flights by 15% Amid Safety Inspections and Operational Disruptions
3. Air India Chairman on Crashed Flight: “Deep Sorrow” and No Red Flags
4. Voting for five seats begin in Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, Punjab
5. Pakistan Secures $1 Billion Financing Deal and Raises Rs1.2 Trillion through Bond Auction
6. Pakistan-US Ties Warm Up: Defence Minister Sees Opportunity for Regional Betterment
7. Bangladesh: National Constitutional Council Talks Hit a Roadblock

PM Modi Concludes Croatia Visit, Boosts Bilateral Ties

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Croatia, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries.
• During his visit, PM Modi held talks with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Zoran Milanovic to discuss issues and boost ties. Key Outcomes:
• Defence Cooperation: India and Croatia will formulate a Defence Cooperation Plan for long-term collaboration in the defence sector, focusing on training, military exchange, and defence industry.
• Economic Ties: Both countries will promote cooperation in areas like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, information technology, clean technology, digital technology, and renewable energy.
• Cultural Exchange: The duration of the MoU of the Hindi Chair in Zagreb University has been extended till 2030, and a cultural exchange program has been prepared for the next five years.
• Terrorism: Croatia backed India’s fight against terrorism, with PM Modi seeking action against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorist activities.
• This visit marked the first-ever trip by an Indian PM to Croatia, and both leaders agreed to accelerate bilateral relations threefold.
• The two nations signed four memoranda of cooperation in agriculture, culture, science, and Indology. [June 18, 2025, 07:20 IST] (more)

Flight carrying over 100 Indian students, evacuated to Armenia from war-torn Iran, lands in Delhi

• The Indian govt has successfully evacuated 110 students from Urmia University in Iran under “Operation Sindhu” amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
• These students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, were relocated to Armenia before being flown to New Delhi.
• Key Highlights of the Evacuation Operation:
• Student Experiences: Many students expressed relief and gratitude upon landing in Delhi, describing the tense situation in Iran where some witnessed missile strikes and bombings.
• “We were terrified. We thank the Indian government and embassy for working fast and bringing us here,” said Varta, a student from Kashmir.
• Mir Khalif, an MBBS student, recounted seeing missiles and war-like situations, thanking the government for evacuating them.
• Govt efforts: Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti V Singh announced that more evacuations are planned, including from Turkmenistan, and 24-hour evacuation lines are open for requests.
• Singh thanked the govts of Turkmenistan and Armenia for their support in the evacuation.
• Student Concerns: Some students from Jammu and Kashmir refused to leave the airport when informed they’d have to travel by bus to their home state, citing fatigue from their journey.
• Parental Relief: Parents of the students expressed immense relief and gratitude towards the Indian government for bringing their children home safely.
• Haider Ali, father of Maaz Haider, thanked the government but urged them to rescue students still stranded in Tehran. (more)

US-Iran Conflict Escalates: Trump Warns of Possible Strike

• The conflict between the US and Iran intensified after Donald Trump warned of a potential strike, saying, “I may do it, I may not do it – nobody knows what I’m going to do”.
• This comes after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned the US would “suffer irreparable harm” if it interferes in the Iran-Israel conflict.
• Khamenei vowed no mercy for Israel, declaring “the battle begins”.
• The US and Israel are concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Tehran enriching uranium up to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels.
• The US has deployed two aircraft carriers and six B-2 bombers to the region.
• Israel needs the US’s Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) “Bunker Buster” to destroy Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, which would require direct US involvement. [Jun 19, 2025, 12:45 AM IST] (more)

Trump Reiterates Claim of Stopping India-Pakistan War Despite Modi’s Counter

• US President Donald Trump repeated his claim that he stopped a war between India and Pakistan, hours after a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Trump described Modi as “a fantastic man” and expressed hopes for a trade deal between the two countries.
• He also hosted Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for lunch at the White House, praising Munir’s role in de-escalating tensions.
• However, Modi had clarified during their phone call that India’s discussions with Pakistan were initiated without US mediation, contradicting Trump’s claims.
• Indian government sources maintain that no third party was involved in the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10.
• Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire, despite India’s denial. [June 18, 2025, 8:08 AM IST] (more)

Canada Accuses India of Foreign Interference Amid Diplomatic Thaw

• Canada’s intelligence agency, CSIS, has accused India of perpetrating foreign interference, particularly targeting Sikh separatists in Canada.
• The report comes just after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held productive talks at the G7 summit in Alberta, agreeing to reinstate top diplomats withdrawn last year.
• Modi’s visit sparked controversy among Canada’s Sikh community due to India’s alleged involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
• The CSIS report claims Indian officials try to influence Canadian communities and politicians to align with India’s interests, especially regarding Khalistan separatism.
• China is identified as the greatest counter-intelligence threat to Canada, followed by Russia, Iran, and Pakistan.
• India and Canada aim to repair strained ties after a tumultuous period.
• Khalistani ‘extremists’ use Canada for violence in India says, Canadian Intel: Canada intelligence agency CSIS report, in a first says “Khalistani extremists continue to use Canada as a base for the promotion, fundraising or planning of violence primarily in India”
• India’s Concerns: India has expressed strong disappointment over the lack of security during the temple attack and questioned the Canadian government’s ability to protect its citizens.
• The Indian government has also raised concerns about Khalistani extremists using Canada as a base for promoting violence in India. [June 18, 2025, 10:00 PM IST] (more)

Air India Cuts International Flights by 15% Amid Safety Inspections and Operational Disruptions

• Air India has announced a 15% reduction in its international widebody aircraft services due to ongoing safety inspections and operational disruptions.
• The cuts will be implemented from now until June 20 and will continue until at least mid-July.
• The decision comes after the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet underwent enhanced safety inspections mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• Out of 33 aircraft, 26 have been cleared for service, while the remaining inspections are expected to be completed soon.
• The airline will also conduct enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 777 fleet.
• Passengers affected by the changes will be offered alternative flights, rescheduling options, or full refunds. [June 18, 2025, 11:05 PM IST] (more)

Air India Chairman on Crashed Flight: “Deep Sorrow” and No Red Flags

• He urged caution on speculating about the cause, saying the investigation would take time.
• The aircraft had a clean service history, with no prior safety concerns or red flags.
• Both pilots were experienced professionals with thousands of hours of flying experience.
• Chandrasekaran rejected speculation about Turkish involvement in maintenance, stating that most Air India Dreamliners are serviced by AI Engineering Services Limited or SIA Engineering Company.
• He also addressed whistleblower claims against Boeing’s 787 manufacturing process, saying Air India had not had any issues with their checks.
• The investigation is ongoing, with preliminary findings expected in about a month.
• Air India is working to improve communication with passengers amid cancellations and delays. (more)

Voting for five seats begin in Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, Punjab

• Voting began today, June 19, 2025, in five assembly constituencies across four states: Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab.
• The constituencies include Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab, Kaliganj in West Bengal, and Visavadar and Kadi in Gujarat.
• The polling started at 7 am and will conclude at 5 pm.
• Counting of votes will take place on June 23.
• Nilambur, Kerala: A high-profile four-cornered electoral battle with 10 candidates and over 2.32 lakh voters.
• Ludhiana West, Punjab: A multi-cornered contest with AAP, Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal vying for the seat.
• Kaliganj, West Bengal: A triangular contest between TMC, BJP, and Congress-Left alliance.
• Visavadar and Kadi, Gujarat: Three-way fights with BJP, Congress, and AAP contesting the seats. (more)

[Neighborhood]

US-Pakistan Relations Intensify Amid Iran Tensions

• US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for a closed-door lunch at the White House, amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
• Trump thanked Munir for preventing a war between India and Pakistan, claiming credit for averting a nuclear conflict.
• The meeting comes as the US considers military action against Iran, with Trump stating, “I may do it, I may not do it – nobody knows what I’m going to do”. Key Takeaways:
• US Asks Pakistan for Support: Trump requested Pakistan’s unconditional military and strategic support in case of a US-Iran war, including access to air bases, ground logistics, and sea routes.
• US Offers to Pakistan: In return, Trump promised unprecedented access to American defense technology, significant financial aid, and new security and trade agreements.
• Distance from China and Russia: Trump urged Pakistan to distance itself from China and Russia, rejoining the US-led security framework.
• Kashmir Mediation: Trump offered to personally mediate between India and Pakistan on contentious issues, including Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.
• The meeting has significant implications for global politics and international relations.
• Regional Implications:
• Iran-Israel Conflict: The meeting comes amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with the US considering military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
• India-Pakistan Relations: Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on contentious issues, including Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and the Indus Waters Treaty. (more, more)

Pakistan Secures $1 Billion Financing Deal and Raises Rs1.2 Trillion through Bond Auction

• Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance has signed a $1 billion syndicated term finance facility, partially guaranteed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Programme “Improved Resource Mobilisation & Utilisation Reform”.
• The facility includes both Islamic and conventional tranches, with the Islamic tranche forming 89% of the loan.
• Key Highlights:
• Financing Details: The five-year facility is led by Dubai Islamic Bank and Standard Chartered, demonstrating strong support from regional financiers.
• Bond Auction: Pakistan raised over Rs1.2 trillion through a government bond auction, including Rs47 billion from a new 15-year Zero Coupon Bond.
• Economic Impact: The successful auction indicates growing investor confidence in Pakistan’s economy and trends, with a significant increase in the average repayment period of domestic debt from 2.7 years to 3.75 years.
• Future Plans: The Ministry of Finance aims to promote Islamic finance, attract long-term investment, and introduce new financial products for ordinary citizens, fostering financial inclusion. [June 19, 2025: 07:20 IST] (more)

Pakistan-US Ties Warm Up: Defence Minister Sees Opportunity for Regional Betterment

• Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has welcomed the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, calling it a “significant milestone” in bilateral relations.
• Asif expressed hope that Pakistan can leverage its military relationship with the US to foster broader ties, including trade and economic cooperation.
• Key Highlights:
• Warmest Bilateral Ties: Asif noted that the current warmth in Pakistan-US ties is unprecedented, with Trump’s meeting with Munir being a notable example.
• Beyond Security: Asif advocated for expanding relations beyond security issues, emphasizing trade and economic cooperation.
• Regional Impact: He believes progress in bilateral relations will positively impact the region and provide opportunities for American leadership to play a historic role.
• Iran-Israel Conflict: Asif suggested Munir could play a pivotal role in de-escalating the conflict, drawing parallels with Trump’s role in the Pakistan-India ceasefire.
• Future Cooperation: The meeting is seen as a positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations between Islamabad and Washington. [June 18, 2025, 23:10 IST] (more)

Bangladesh: National Constitutional Council Talks Hit a Roadblock

• Discussions between the National Consensus Commission and political parties in Bangladesh have failed to reach a consensus on forming the National Constitutional Council (NCC), aimed at balancing state power.
• Parties in Favor:
• Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami: Supports NCC formation to maintain the balance of power, but disagrees with including the president and chief justice.
• National Citizen Party (NCP): Backs NCC formation to reduce executive branch power, but suggests excluding the president, chief justice, and army chief appointment jurisdiction.
• Islami Andolon Bangladesh: Believes NCC is essential to prevent fascism, but recommends the president remain outside the council.
• Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party): Supports NCC formation and presidential election through an electoral college system.
• Parties Against:
• Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): Opposes NCC due to lack of accountability and potential imbalance in power structure.
• Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB): Suggests leaving NCC formation to the elected parliament, prioritizing fair elections instead. (more)

[No prominent political party or influential figure with a past in politics is in favor.]