1. Rajnath Singh Refuses to Sign SCO Joint Statement Over Terrorism Disagreement
2. India Rejects Pakistan’s Plea to Restore Indus Waters Treaty
3. Pakistani Goods Worth Rs 9 Crore Seized at Navi Mumbai Port
4. India’s Recent Diplomatic Moves: On Iran-Israel Conflict; Temple Demolition in Bangladesh; to Reinstate High Commissioners
5. Diplomatic Engagements: EAM Jaishankar’s Conversations Ahead of Quad Meeting

What Else

1. Terrorist Neutralised in Jammu and Kashmir Encounter
2. Union Cabinet Welcomes Successful Launch of Axiom-4 Mission
3. Congress Seeks Voter Data and Poll Footage from EC
4. NIA Conducts Raids in Punjab, Haryana, and UP in Babbar Khalsa International Investigation
5. China Warns Philippines of “Self-Destruction” Over US Missile Deployment
6. US and China Reach Framework Agreement on Rare Earth Shipments
7. Pakistan: India Refuses to Sign SCO Joint Declaration Amid Tensions with Pakistan
8. Pakistan Praises US Role in Iran-Israel Ceasefire
9. KP CM Gandapur Slams Federal Government, Refuses to Cooperate on IMF Program
10. Bangladesh Denies Emerging Alliance with China and Pakistan

Rajnath Singh Refuses to Sign SCO Joint Statement Over Terrorism Disagreement

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign a joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, citing disagreement over the document’s stance on terrorism.
• The joint statement failed to mention the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 innocent civilians, but included references to militant activities in Pakistan’s Balochistan.
• Singh emphasized the need for collective action against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, stressing that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism.
• During his address at the SCO meeting, Singh highlighted the importance of upholding the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and mutual respect among member states. (more)
• He also warned about the danger of terror groups gaining access to weapons of mass destruction.
• The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the country’s concerns on terrorism were not acceptable to one particular country [China], preventing consensus on the joint statement. (more)
• On the sidelines of the meeting, Singh held bilateral talks with Defence Ministers from Russia, Tajikistan, and Belarus, strengthening defence ties and discussing regional security issues.
• The SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting aimed to promote international and regional peace and security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and collaboration among member states.
• India attaches high importance to the SCO as a platform for fostering multilateralism and cooperation among its members. (more, more)
• Singh emphasized India’s commitment to peace, security, and stability in Afghanistan, highlighting India’s role as the country’s largest regional development partner.
• Singh also stressed the need for a unified response to transnational threats and cooperation within the SCO framework. (more)

India Rejects Pakistan’s Plea to Restore Indus Waters Treaty

• India’s Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil has rejected Pakistan’s requests to lift the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that these letters are merely a formality and won’t change India’s stance.
• Pakistan’s water resources secretary, Syed Ali Murtaza, had sent four letters to India’s Jal Shakti ministry since the treaty was suspended on April 23.
• Paatil emphasized that India has no plans to review its decision and dismissed Pakistani leader Bilawal Bhutto’s war threats as empty rhetoric. Bhutto had warned that Pakistan would go to war if India denies its rightful share of water under the treaty.
• The treaty was suspended after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
• India has also requested a pause in proceedings related to disputes over hydropower projects under the treaty. (more)

Pakistani Goods Worth Rs 9 Crore Seized at Navi Mumbai Port

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of Pakistani goods valued at approximately Rs 9 crore at the Nhava Sheva Port in Navi Mumbai.
• The goods were being imported in violation of import policy conditions and prohibitions imposed by the government on direct or indirect import or transit of Pakistani-origin goods.
• The operation, code-named “Operation Deep Manifest”, revealed that the goods were being routed through third countries like Dubai, with their origin misdeclared as the UAE.
• One partner of an importing firm was arrested.
• The seizure is part of the government’s efforts to prevent illicit financial flows and enforce the ban on Pakistani goods imposed after the Pahalgam terror attacks.
• The investigation uncovered complex transactions involving Pakistani and UAE nationals to obscure the true origin of the goods. (more)

India’s Recent Diplomatic Moves: On Iran-Israel Conflict;  Temple Demolition in Bangladesh; to Reinstate High Commissioners

• On Iran-Israel Conflict: India has made significant diplomatic moves recently, addressing two major global issues.
• The country welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel after 12 days of hostilities, expressing deep concerns about sustained security and stability in West Asia.
• India emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for de-escalation and diplomacy amid the conflict. (more)
• Temple Demolition in Bangladesh: In a separate development, India condemned the destruction of a Durga temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh, highlighting the interim government’s inability to protect the country’s Hindu minority and their religious institutions.
• The Ministry of External Affairs expressed dismay over the incident and emphasized Bangladesh’s responsibility to safeguard its Hindu population and properties. (more)
• India and Canada Reinstate High Commissioners: In another key diplomatic move, India and Canada are working to reinstate their High Commissioners, following a meeting between PM Modi and Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at the G7 Summit.
• Both sides agreed to take constructive steps to restore stability in their relationship, which deteriorated after Justin Trudeau’s allegations about India’s involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.
• The two countries aim to resume senior and working-level mechanisms and discussions in various areas, including trade, people-to-people contact, and collaboration in key areas like clean energy and technology initiatives. (more)

Diplomatic Engagements: EAM Jaishankar’s Conversations Ahead of Quad Meeting

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held two significant conversations recently.
• He spoke with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, scheduled for July 1 in Washington DC.
• They discussed bilateral cooperation and the Indo-Pacific region.
• The Quad meeting aims to advance a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, building on the partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the US. (more)
• Jaishankar also spoke with Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, discussing the bilateral agenda and appreciating Al Thani’s assessment of the regional situation.
• Notably, Al Thani played a key role in securing Iran’s approval for a US-proposed ceasefire in the Israel conflict.
• These diplomatic engagements highlight India’s commitment to strengthening regional relationships and addressing pressing global issues. (more)

Terrorist Neutralised in Jammu and Kashmir Encounter

• Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district neutralised one terrorist during an encounter in the Basantgarh area.
• The joint operation, code-named Operation Bihali, was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
• The encounter began early morning after contact was established with the terrorists. The operation is ongoing.
• Meanwhile, security forces recently conducted a joint mock drill at the Baltal base camp in preparation for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to start on July 3, with multiple agencies participating in the exercise. (more)

Union Cabinet Welcomes Successful Launch of Axiom-4 Mission

• The Union Cabinet welcomed the successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission, carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US to the International Space Station.
• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, is set to become the first Indian to visit the ISS, carrying the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers congratulated Shukla and the crew, highlighting India’s growing presence in space exploration.
• Shukla will conduct seven scientific experiments during his stay aboard the ISS. (more)

Congress Seeks Voter Data and Poll Footage from EC

• The Congress party has requested the Election Commission (EC) to provide a digital, machine-readable copy of the Maharashtra voter list and polling day video footage from Maharashtra and Haryana within a week.
• This request comes after the EC invited Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for talks over his allegations regarding the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls.
• Gandhi claimed that the voter list grew by 8% in just five months in Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s constituency, labeling it as “vote theft”.
• The Congress party will meet with the EC and present their analysis once the data is received. Party leader Pawan Khera reiterated that this has been a long-pending request and should be easy for the EC to fulfill.
• The EC had invited Gandhi for discussions on his allegations, and the Congress party is prepared to share its findings after receiving the necessary data (more)

NIA Conducts Raids in Punjab, Haryana, and UP in Babbar Khalsa International Investigation

• The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted searches at 18 locations in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh as part of its investigation into the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) linked grenade attack at former Punjab Minister Manoranjan Kalia’s residence.
• The raids targeted suspects linked to BKI operative Kulbir Sidhu, currently in Germany, and US-based gangster Manish alias Kaka Rana.
• Sidhu is a key aide of designated terrorist and BKI chief Wadhawa Singh Babbar based in Pakistan and is also accused in the murder of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar in Nangal, Punjab.
• The NIA seized incriminating materials, including mobiles, digital devices, and documents, during the searches.
• The agency took over the probe from Punjab Police on April 12, 2025, and is continuing its investigation into the case (more)

[Neighborhood]

China Warns Philippines of “Self-Destruction” Over US Missile Deployment

• China’s Defence Ministry has cautioned the Philippines against hosting US missile systems, warning that it would lead to “self-destruction” and undermine regional security.
• The Philippines has agreed to deploy additional strategic Typhon missile systems, which can launch Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and SM-6 air defence missiles with a range of up to 2,000km, potentially covering the entire South China Sea, Taiwan, and parts of China’s mainland.
• China’s Defence Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said that introducing these strategic weapons would bind the Philippines to the US war machine and sabotage regional interests.
• The move has escalated tensions between China and the Philippines, which have overlapping claims in the disputed South China Sea.
• The Chinese embassy in Manila also dismissed allegations of China’s involvement in maritime drug smuggling as “baseless slander”. (more)

US and China Reach Framework Agreement on Rare Earth Shipments

• The US and China have reached a framework agreement to facilitate rare earth shipments, implementing a deal based on bilateral trade talks that started last month in Geneva, Switzerland.
• US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that China will deliver rare earths to the US, and in return, the US will take down its countermeasures.
• The agreement aims to prevent sharply higher import tariffs from taking effect on August 12.
• Details of the deal are still unclear, but it is expected to address tariff-related commitments, export control restrictions, and critical mineral supplies.
• The agreement is seen as a welcome development in de-escalating Sino-American tensions.
• US President Donald Trump hinted at more trade deals, including a potential “very big” agreement with India, where a team of trade negotiators is currently in Washington (more)

Pakistan: India Refuses to Sign SCO Joint Declaration Amid Tensions with Pakistan

• Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign a joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in China, citing the document’s failure to mention the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
• Singh emphasized India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, while Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused India of promoting terrorism worldwide.
• The SCO meeting, attended by defence ministers from member countries, aimed to discuss regional security and counter-terrorism cooperation.
• Asif claimed India declined to sign the joint declaration after being denied a second turn to speak, further isolating it on the international stage.
• Singh had requested to speak again, but the Chinese defence minister declined, following tradition. The joint declaration wasn’t issued due to India’s refusal to sign.
• The incident highlights the deep divisions within the SCO on addressing terrorism, with India and Pakistan having differing views on the issue (more)

Pakistan Praises US Role in Iran-Israel Ceasefire

• PM Shehbaz Sharif commended the US for brokering a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, thanking President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their leadership.
• During a phone call, Sharif and Rubio discussed bilateral ties, regional developments, and economic cooperation.
• US Readout says,’ Secretary Rubio emphasized Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.
• Sharif appreciated the US role in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire, promoting regional stability.
• Both leaders agreed to work together to strengthen Pakistan-US relations and ensure long-term stability in the Middle East.
• The US emphasized that Iran should not develop or acquire nuclear weapons, and both sides acknowledged the importance of promoting durable peace between Israel and Iran (more)

KP CM Gandapur Slams Federal Government, Refuses to Cooperate on IMF Program

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur criticized the federal government after being denied a meeting with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala jail.
• Gandapur stated that the KP government will not cooperate with the Centre on the upcoming IMF program, citing violations of the Constitution and law.
• The KP CM announced that his administration will not attend finance-related meetings, deciding based on the province’s situation.
• Tensions arose over the KP budget, with Imran Khan opposing the surplus budget of Rs 157 billion under IMF conditions.
• Khan reportedly wanted more funds allocated to education, health, and the environment.
• Gandapur clarified that he has always made efforts to implement Khan’s directives and is only answerable to the PTI founder.
• The development may further complicate the relationship between the KP government and the Centre (more)

Bangladesh Denies Emerging Alliance with China and Pakistan

• Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser M Touhid Hossain has denied reports of an emerging alliance with China and Pakistan, stating that a recent trilateral meeting in Kunming, China, was an informal, official-level discussion.
• “We are not forming any alliance,” Hossain said, adding that the meeting focused on connectivity and related areas.
• He assured that the meeting wasn’t targeting any third party, specifically India.
• Hossain emphasized that Dhaka doesn’t have reservations about joining similar meetings with other countries, including India.
• The adviser described the current state of Bangladesh-India relations as a phase of “readjustment,” acknowledging a difference in the level of relationship between India and the previous government.
• The trilateral meeting discussed cooperation in infrastructure, trade, healthcare, and climate change, with an agreement to pursue collaboration based on openness, inclusivity, and good neighborliness. (more)