1. India Ready to Play Role in Middle East Peace Talks
2. Iran Fires Missiles at US Base in Qatar, India Advises Citizens to Stay Calm
3. US Strikes on Iran: Ceasefire and Controversy
4. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches China for SCO Defence Ministers meet
5. CDS Chauhan empowered to issue orders to 3 services to ensure greater synergy

What Else

1. India’s Pharma Sector Gains from China+1 Strategy
2. Axiom Mission 4 Set to Launch with Indian Astronaut
3. Shashi Tharoor Praises PM Modi, Creates Friction within Congress
4. Xi Jinping to Skip BRICS Summit in Rio, Li Qiang to Lead China Delegation
5. US Allows China to Buy Oil from Iran Amid Ceasefire Deal
6. Stealth Technology Pioneer Betrayed US Secrets
7. Bangladesh: Mob Attack on Hindu Barber Sparks Outrage in Bangladesh; Citizens Demand Action Against Mob Violence
8. Two Soldiers Martyred, 11 Indian-Sponsored Terrorists Killed in South Waziristan Operation
9. Lahore High Court Rejects Imran Khan’s Bail Pleas in May 9 Cases
10. PM Shehbaz Praises Bilawal Bhutto’s Diplomatic Efforts

India Ready to Play Role in Middle East Peace Talks

• India has expressed its willingness to participate in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the multiple conflicts in the Middle East region.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which was brokered by the US and Qatar.
• The ceasefire brings relief to global markets, with oil prices dropping and stock markets rising.
• The MEA spokesperson stated that India remains concerned about regional security and stability in the Middle East.
• India is ready to contribute to efforts in addressing and resolving the conflicts in the region.
• “India stands ready to play its part in these efforts and hopes that all concerned parties will work towards sustained peace and stability,” the MEA release read.
• The ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced by US President Trump after a 12-day conflict that saw US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iranian retaliation against US military bases in Qatar.
• Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli-occupied territories, but agreed to a ceasefire after US diplomatic efforts.
• The truce is expected to ease tensions and stabilize global markets.
• India’s stance reflects its commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, a region crucial to global economic and security interests. (more)
• [Global powers may still exert significant influence over Iran and Israel’s actions, potentially shaping the outcome of any conflict resolution efforts. Their interests can impact regional stability.]

Iran Fires Missiles at US Base in Qatar, India Advises Citizens to Stay Calm

• Iran launched ballistic missiles at the Al-Udeid US Air Force base in Qatar, targeting the American military facility without damaging urban centers.
• The attack was in response to the US bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities.
• The Indian community in Qatar, numbering around 8 lakh, has been advised to remain calm and indoors, following the escalation.
• Indian officials will post updates on official social media channels.
• US President Donald Trump is monitoring the situation and does not intend to launch counter-strikes at this time, while Iran vows to continue attacking Israel. (more)

US Strikes on Iran: Ceasefire and Controversy

• A surprise ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced on Tue, June 24, 2025, after a series of escalating events and US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• US President Donald Trump claimed the nuclear sites were “completely destroyed,” but a Pentagon intelligence report contradicts this, stating the sites were damaged but not obliterated.
• The report estimates Iran’s nuclear program was set back only a few months.
• The US House of Representatives voted to table an impeachment effort against Trump for launching strikes without congressional authorization.
• Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel had brought Iran’s nuclear program “to ruin,” while Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons.
• The situation remains complex, with ongoing diplomatic efforts and controversy surrounding the effectiveness of the US strikes. Key Developments:
• Ceasefire: Iran and Israel agree to ceasefire, brokered by the US
• US Strikes: Damage reported at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites
• Impeachment Effort: US House tables motion against Trump
• Nuclear Program: Set back by a few months, according to Pentagon report (more)

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches China for SCO Defence Ministers meet

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches China to lead a high-level Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, on Jun 25-26, 2025.
• Singh will highlight India’s commitment to SCO’s principles and mandate, emphasizing international peace, security, and cooperation among member states.
• He’ll also call for joint efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism, and stress the need for greater trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity within SCO.
• Key Discussions and Meetings
• Bilateral Meeting with China: Singh will meet with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun to discuss progress in disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and remaining border disputes.
• Meeting with Russia: Singh will discuss defence cooperation with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, focusing on military-technical cooperation.
• SCO Meeting: Defence ministers will discuss regional and international peace, security, counter-terrorism efforts, and cooperation among member states (more)

CDS Chauhan empowered to issue orders to 3 services to ensure greater synergy

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has authorized Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan to issue joint instructions and orders to the Army, Navy, and Air Force, promoting greater synergy and integration among the services.
• This move marks a significant shift from the previous system where each service issued separate orders.
• The decision aims to streamline procedures, eliminate redundancies, and enhance cross-service cooperation.
• The defence ministry described this as a major step towards modernizing and transforming the armed forces.
• The initiative supports the government’s theaterization plan, which seeks to integrate the capabilities of the three services to optimize resource utilization for wars and operations.
• Each theatre command will comprise units from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, working as a single entity to address security challenges in a specified geographical territory. (more)

India’s Pharma Sector Gains from China+1 Strategy

• India’s pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are witnessing tangible benefits from the global shift away from China, according to a Goldman Sachs report.
• Indian companies are receiving increased Requests for Quotations (RFQs) from global clients looking to diversify their supply chains.
• Some companies, like Syngene and Neuland, have reported conversions of RFQs into pilot projects and small contracts.
• However, large-scale financial gains will take time, possibly 3-5 years.
• The report cites the BIOSECURE Act in the US, which aims to reduce dependence on Chinese biotech suppliers, as a driver of this trend.
• Larger companies are leading the charge, while smaller ones are hesitant due to funding constraints.
• The report expects the geographic supply chain diversification theme to play out over a 3-5 year period, with India poised to benefit from the China+1 strategy. (more)

Axiom Mission 4 Set to Launch with Indian Astronaut

• The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch today at 12:01 pm, carrying India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts.
• Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot, will be India’s second astronaut in space, four decades after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.
• The mission, operated by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA, will conduct 60 scientific experiments, including seven proposed by Indian researchers. The crew will also participate in outreach programs and interact with a VIP from space during their 14-day mission. (more)

Shashi Tharoor Praises PM Modi, Creates Friction within Congress

• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called for more support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic efforts, labeling his “energy, dynamism and willingness to engage” as a “prime asset for India on the global stage”.
• Tharoor led a cross-party MP delegation to the US, Brazil, and other nations to highlight India’s stance on terrorism after Operation Sindoor.
•  His praise for PM Modi has created friction within the Congress party, with some leaders questioning his loyalty.
• Tharoor has denied any plans to switch to the BJP, citing his 16-year loyalty to the Congress ideology. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Xi Jinping to Skip BRICS Summit in Rio, Li Qiang to Lead China Delegation

• Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, marking his first-ever absence from the gathering of leading emerging economies.
• Instead, Premier Li Qiang is expected to lead the Chinese delegation.
• According to sources, Xi’s absence is due to a scheduling conflict, and the fact that he has met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva twice in less than a year.
• Lula had traveled to Beijing in May as a gesture of goodwill, expecting Xi to reciprocate by attending the summit.
• However, speculation suggests Xi’s absence might be due to being perceived as a “supporting actor” at the gathering, especially after Lula invited Indian PM Modi for a state dinner.
• The BRICS summit is scheduled to take place on July 6-7 (more)

US Allows China to Buy Oil from Iran Amid Ceasefire Deal

• US President Donald Trump announced that China can now purchase oil from Iran, marking a significant shift in the US’s “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran’s economy.
• This development comes after Trump brokered a ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran, which has been fragile and marked by early breaches from both sides.
• Trump expressed hope that China would also buy significant volumes of oil from the US.
• The US had previously imposed sanctions on Iranian oil purchases, but Trump’s statement suggests a potential easing of these restrictions.
• The move has led to a decline in oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate futures sinking about 5% to almost $65 a barrel.
• The implications of Trump’s announcement on existing sanctions and US relations with Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, remain unclear. (more)

Stealth Technology Pioneer Betrayed US Secrets

• Noshir Gowadia, an Indian-American engineer, played a crucial role in developing the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber’s technology.
• Born in Mumbai in 1944, Gowadia worked at Northrop Grumman, designing the bomber’s propulsion system and reducing its radar and infrared signatures.
• However, after retiring, he sold classified information to China, Germany, and Switzerland, compromising US national security.
• Gowadia was convicted of espionage in 2010 and sentenced to 32 years in prison for betraying his country for financial gain.
• His actions helped China develop its stealth capabilities, including the J-20 and H-20 aircraft. Gowadia’s case serves as a warning to others who would compromise US military secrets. (more)

Bangladesh: Mob Attack on Hindu Barber Sparks Outrage in Bangladesh

• A mob brutally attacked a 69-year-old Hindu barber, Paresh Chandra Shil, and his 35-year-old son, Bishnu Chandra Shil, in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, over allegations of hurting religious sentiments.
• The father-son duo was accused of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad and his wives.
• The mob handed them over to the police, who arrested them under charges of “hurting religious sentiments,” a law often exploited to justify repression in Bangladesh.
• The police officer-in-charge, Mohammad Nurun Nabi, sparked criticism for his remarks, suggesting the duo would face severe punishment, including life imprisonment or execution.
• Nabi later claimed his statement was meant to calm the crowd.
• The incident has sparked protests, with a memorandum submitted to the deputy commissioner demanding justice.
• The family claims the allegations are false, citing an altercation over haircut charges as the real reason. (more)
• Citizens Demand Action Against Mob Violence in Bangladesh
• Thirty prominent citizens in Bangladesh have expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of mob violence and the lack of action by law enforcement agencies.
• They condemned the recent physical assault on former Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda by a mob and demanded swift identification and punishment of the perpetrators.
• The citizens emphasized that mob violence is a grave violation of human rights and dignity, and that the government’s inaction is alarming.
• They called for fair legal proceedings against those accused and demanded that the government take strict measures to prevent such incidents.
• The signatories, including Sultana Kamal and Iftekharuzzaman, urged the government, administration, and political parties to take a united stance against mob violence and to launch public awareness initiatives to prevent such incidents. (more)

Two Soldiers Martyred, 11 Indian-Sponsored Terrorists Killed in South Waziristan Operation

• Two Pakistani soldiers, including Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, were martyred during an intelligence-based operation in South Waziristan’s Sararogha area.
• The operation targeted “Indian-sponsored terrorists”, resulting in the killing of 11 militants and injuring seven others.
• Major Moiz, known for his bravery, led the troops from the front and fought gallantly before being martyred.
• The security forces are determined to eliminate the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country.
• The operation was part of ongoing efforts to maintain security and stability in the region.
• The sacrifices of brave soldiers like Major Moiz and Lance Naik Jibran Ullah will further strengthen the resolve of the security forces.
• Pakistan has seen a slight uptick in militant attacks, with Balochistan and KP being the most affected provinces. (more)

Lahore High Court Rejects Imran Khan’s Bail Pleas in May 9 Cases

• The Lahore High Court (LHC) has rejected the bail pleas of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 8 cases related to the May 9, 2023, violent protests.
• The protests erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest, resulting in attacks on military installations, public and private properties, and desecration of martyrs’ monuments.
• The court dismissed Khan’s bail applications, upholding the previous decision of the Anti-Terrorism Court.
• Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023, faces multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism.
• The govt has vowed to give exemplary punishment to those involved in the May 9 incidents.
• The LHC’s decision is a setback for Khan, who has been seeking relief from various courts amid his ongoing trials. (more)
• [The outcome of Imran Khan’s cases might be influenced by external factors, rather than being solely based on Pakistani law and jurisdiction.]

PM Shehbaz Praises Bilawal Bhutto’s Diplomatic Efforts

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and a high-level diplomatic delegation for effectively presenting Pakistan’s position during their recent visits to the US, UK, and Europe.
• The delegation successfully exposed Indian propaganda and highlighted Pakistan’s stance on key issues, including the Pahalgam incident and the Indus Waters Treaty.
• PM Shehbaz praised Bilawal’s effective presentation of Pakistan’s viewpoint and thanked the delegation for their efforts in promoting Pakistan’s narrative at a critical time.

He hosted a dinner in their honor, acknowledging their contribution to Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. (more)