Global Outlook

  India is considering potential institutional reforms following allegations related to the thwarted plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States, stated US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M Campbell on Wednesday. In November, the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York filed "murder-for-hire charges" against Indian national Nikhil Gupta, accusing him of involvement in the alleged assassination plot against Pannun. Allegations suggested Gupta was recruited by an individual purportedly linked to the Indian government. India has denied any involvement and initiated a high-level investigation into the allegations last November. During an online press briefing following his visit to India with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Campbell addressed questions on the matter. He acknowledged constructive dialogue between Washington DC and New Delhi on the issue, noting India’s contemplation of necessary institutiona

  A report from a Washington think tank suggests that China could potentially bring Taiwan under its control without resorting to military force, CNN reported. Amid escalating tensions, Chinese leader Xi Jinping's aggressive stance towards Taiwan has raised concerns about Beijing's intentions. China's silence on Russia's invasion of Ukraine has further fueled fears. Analysts and military strategists highlight two main options for China: a full-scale invasion or a military blockade. However, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) points out a third option: quarantine. This "gray zone" tactic would involve actions below the threshold of war, such as using the China Coast Guard and maritime militia to enforce a blockade, cutting off essential supplies to Taiwan. The CSIS report suggests that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) might play support roles in such a scenario. China has been increasing pressure on Taiwan in various ways, and the r

 The International Organization of the Muslim Brotherhood - London Front has issued a statement against the celebration of Eid al-Adha, which promotes violent jihad and extremism, which is a serious development. The message came from Salah Abdel Haq, the group's acting guide. It said that Eid is a "symbol of victory after Jihad" and congratulated "the mujahideen in Egypt and Palestine." "Jihad in the cause of God is one of the rituals of our religion and the origin of our call," Abdel Haq continued, adding that he was also calling for "freedom." This speech is extremely concerning since it is in line with the radical beliefs of the Muslim Brotherhood, a group notorious for its connections to terrorism and its goal of imposing its intolerance on the entire world. Experts caution that the London Front of the Muslim Brotherhood is an even greater threat to Western countries than its Turkish equivalent, despite the fact that both are radical and

 A crew of Iranian technical experts has arrived in Sudan, marking a big step forward in the two countries' bilateral military collaboration. Sudanese military and intelligence agencies greeted the Iranian delegation warmly, emphasizing the strengthening strategic collaboration between Khartoum and Tehran. The Iranian specialists' expertise in drone operations, electronic warfare, and communications interception demonstrates Sudan's intention to quickly modernize its armed forces with Iranian support. The training program, which will take place in the remote Sudanese town of Arousa, will give Sudanese servicemen firsthand experience with cutting-edge military technology such as Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drones. Iran's concerted efforts to challenge other countries in the region and expand its influence throughout Africa include this military collaboration. Iran wants to provide S.udan with superior military equipment and training so that it can utilize that power against I

  Bangladesh, a traditional buyer of Chinese military equipment, has raised grievances with Beijing regarding the delivery of defective components and technical malfunctions in its imported military hardware. This issue is not unique to Bangladesh, as other nations like Myanmar have also encountered problems with Chinese fighter jets, according to an ET report. Experts in the Chinese defense industry argue that Beijing lacks the expertise to manufacture highly sophisticated military hardware and is not yet considered a top-tier producer of modern defense equipment. They claim that much of China's weapon systems are based on outdated technology copied from the West. Developing countries often opt for Chinese weapons due to their lower cost compared to similar systems from Western countries. China sells arms through state-run export organizations like the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), NORINCO, and CVIC. Sources familiar with the matter told ET that the Bangladesh mil

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen sitting next to Maldives’ President Mohammed Muizzu during a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday evening, highlighting the two nations' efforts to strengthen their relationship and collaborate on shared interests. Following the swearing-in ceremony, PM Modi met with all invited foreign leaders at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The leaders congratulated him on his historic third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India. Expressing his gratitude for their presence, PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR Vision.’ He emphasized that in his third term, India would continue to work for the peace, progress, and prosperity of the region in close partnership with neighboring countries, while also pursuing the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. PM Modi called for deeper people-to-people ties and improved connectivity in the region. He also stated that India would continue to amplify the voice of th

  On June 5, 2024, the Lebanese army reported that a gunman had attempted to attack the U.S. embassy near Beirut earlier that day. According to the military's statement, Lebanese soldiers shot and wounded the assailant, who was identified as a Syrian national. Local media outlets described a gunfight that lasted for nearly 30 minutes near the U.S. diplomatic mission in the Aukar suburb north of Beirut. The U.S. Embassy confirmed the morning attack by the embassy's entrance but stated that no embassy staff were injured. Lebanese troops and embassy security responded quickly to the incident. This is not the first time the U.S. Embassy in Beirut has been the target of an attack. In 1983, a deadly bombing killed 63 people at the embassy's previous location in central Beirut. U.S. officials attributed that attack to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Following that incident, the embassy was relocated to the Aukar suburb. Another bomb attack struck the new embassy location in

Elon Musk's social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), is set to host a town hall with former US President Donald Trump, three years after his suspension following the January 6 Capitol riots. As the presumptive Republican nominee, Trump will answer submitted questions during the live-streamed event, which will also be broadcast in partnership with the cable channel NewsNation. This announcement follows Trump's conviction on all 34 counts related to a hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Additionally, X plans to host a similar town hall with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running for president as an independent. According to The Wall Street Journal, President Joe Biden was invited to participate in a debate or town hall but declined. Musk shared the news from The New York Post about the town hall, captioning it, “This will be interesting.” Details regarding the dates, locations, and moderators of these town halls have not yet been announced. X users will submi