UKRAINE WAR
NSA Ajit Doval holds high-level talks in Riyadh, discusses bilateral, regional issues with Saudi ministers
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Saudi Arabia for high-level talks. Discussions covered bilateral ties, energy cooperation, and regional issues. This visit followed a meeting with Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council Secretary. Both engagements focused on strategic dialogue and geopolitical concerns. India reiterated its stance on peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
Endurance, the new superpower of the battlefield
The economy of attrition is the big new reality of the battlefield. Expensive defences are badly struggling against waves of cheap drones and missiles. Nations must now prioritise scalable, resilient and cost-effective defence systems. India faces this challenge, needing to develop innovative solutions to counter asymmetric tactics and prevent fiscal exhaustion. This strategic shift is crucial for future security.
Ukraine strikes Baltic Sea port, Volga river industrial sites
Ukrainian drones targeted industrial cities along the Volga River and a Baltic Sea port near St. Petersburg. A fire was extinguished at the Vysotsk port, which handles fuel exports. Attacks also hit industrial targets in Syzran and Novokuibyshevsk, cities known for their oil refineries.
Russia has looted thousands of Ukrainian cultural objects in war. Finding them is challenge
Following Russia's retreat from Kherson, museum director Alina Dotsenko discovered thousands of artworks missing, with nearly 10,000 pieces' fate unknown. Ukraine is now highlighting this looting as Russia seeks international cultural engagement, emphasizing the need for accountability for stolen heritage.
Iran war has revealed Trump's pressure point: the economy
Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz have revealed a key vulnerability for President Trump. The conflict has led to rising energy costs and inflation, impacting American consumers. This economic pressure is forcing Trump to seek a diplomatic solution. Adversaries like Russia and China are observing these developments.
'Shameful, 180-degree reversal': US Senate Democrats slam Trump administration for extending waiver on Russian oil
Senior Democratic lawmakers in the US Senate on Friday (local time) sharply criticised the Trump administration for extending a waiver that allows the continued sale of sanctioned Russian oil, calling the move a "shameful" policy reversal.
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France finance minister says Hormuz must open, G7 ready to mitigate war fallout
G7 finance leaders are focused on the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. They are prepared to address soaring energy prices and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. Leaders emphasized the need for peace and are monitoring the situation closely. They are ready to act if necessary to stabilize markets. Support for Ukraine also remains a key priority.
RBI asks state oil refiners to curb spot dollar buying, sources say
India's central bank is taking action to support the rupee. State-run oil refiners are being asked to use a special credit line for dollar needs instead of buying on the spot market. This move aims to reduce pressure on the Indian currency. The Reserve Bank of India is employing measures similar to those used during the Ukraine war.
Russia launches massive drone, missile barrage on Ukraine, at least 16 dead
Russia launched one of its largest recent aerial assaults on Ukraine, firing nearly 700 drones and multiple missiles in strikes that killed at least 16 people and injured over 80, officials said. The hours-long barrage hit cities including Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro, with Ukrainian air defences intercepting most incoming targets but several strikes causing civilian casualties and damage. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged continued Western support for air defence systems, warning against easing pressure on Moscow as attacks on civilian areas persist.
Iran war exposes cost of Asia's fossil fuel reliance
The latest global energy shock highlights the risks of fuel import dependence, with Bangladesh hit hard by soaring LNG costs after supply disruptions, forcing costly spot purchases. In contrast, Pakistan’s shift to solar reduced reliance on imports and cushioned the impact. The divergence underscores the need for emerging economies to accelerate clean energy adoption to limit exposure to price volatility.
US ends sanctions waiver for Russian, Iranian Oil; India among affected buyers
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday confirmed Washington will not renew sanctions waivers on Russian and Iranian oil, ending temporary relief that had allowed countries including India to purchase crude from both nations without facing US penalties.
11 nations call for coordinated IMF-World Bank support amid Middle East war risks
The finance ministers of 11 countries including Britain and Japan called Wednesday for "coordinated emergency support" to help countries hit by disruptions from the war in the Middle East. "We call on the IMF and World Bank to provide a coordinated emergency support offer for countries in need, tailored to country circumstances and drawing on the full range and flexibility of their toolkits," the ministers said in a joint statement issued by the UK government.
India, Germany decide to shore up defence and energy ties amid West Asia crisis
India and Germany have agreed to strengthen cooperation in defense, green hydrogen, renewable energy, and critical technologies amidst global geopolitical challenges. Discussions during the Foreign Office Consultations in Berlin covered bilateral relations, regional conflicts like West Asia and Ukraine, and future collaboration avenues.
US-Iran ceasefire: Why America’s amateur diplomats are set up to fail
United States diplomacy faces challenges due to inexperienced negotiators and unrealistic goals set by President Trump. Talks with Iran in Islamabad have faltered for these reasons. Similar issues affect efforts for ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza. Future negotiations may also be hampered by these persistent problems.
Iran & Ukraine usher in the era of the underdogs in a war-torn world
Global conflicts are increasingly prolonged, with unexpected resilience from weaker forces challenging traditional military predictions. Wars in Iran, Ukraine, and Gaza exemplify this trend, where advanced tactics and adaptability allow smaller actors to sustain resistance against stronger adversaries, leading to extended engagements and higher human costs.
Xi calls China-Russia ties 'precious' in current international context
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing. Xi highlighted the value of China-Russia ties amid global instability. He stressed the importance of strategic communication and diplomatic coordination between the two nations. The meeting occurred as uncertainty surrounds the duration of the war in Iran.
US doesn't 'have time for Ukraine' because of Iran war: Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated US peace negotiators are preoccupied with Iran. He highlighted concerns about delayed US arms deliveries crucial for Ukraine's defense. Zelensky mentioned this issue impacts PAC-3 and PAC-2 interceptor missiles. He spoke alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, announcing enhanced defense cooperation and Ukrainian drone manufacturing in Norway.
US to allow waiver on Iran oil to expire, administration sources say
The Donald Trump administration will allow a 30-day sanctions waiver on Iranian oil shipments to expire later this week, ending a temporary measure that had eased global supply pressures by allowing significant volumes of oil to reach markets. The move comes as the U.S. tightens its blockade on Iranian exports and faces bipartisan criticism over earlier sanctions relief, with officials warning that entities engaging with Tehran could face additional or secondary sanctions.
Ukraine strikes on Russian oil ports put India’s refining lifeline at risk, IEA warns
Ukraine’s drone strikes on key Russian oil ports — Primorsk, Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk — are threatening India’s crude supply chain, with the International Energy Agency warning of potential disruptions to refining operations. With about 80% of India’s Russian imports routed through these hubs, any prolonged outage could tighten feedstock availability, even as reliance on discounted Russian crude has surged and alternative supplies remain limited.
Russia’s oil revenues nearly double to $19 billion in March: IEA
According to the IEA, Russia’s crude oil exports rose by 270,000 barrels per day (bpd) month-on-month to 4.6 million bpd in March.
Ukraine, Russia renew drone strikes after Easter truce
The Ukrainian air force said Russia had launched 98 drones, adding that its air defence units had downed 87 of them. An infrastructure facility was hit in the central-eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukrainian authorities said, adding that information about casualties was being clarified.
Russia, Ukraine trade accusations of Orthodox Easter ceasefire violations
Russia and Ukraine traded accusations over ceasefire violations during Orthodox Easter. Both sides reported numerous drone and shelling attacks. The truce, intended for Orthodox Easter, saw continued fighting. Russia called it a humanitarian gesture, while Ukraine agreed to the truce. Reports of civilian injuries emerged from both sides.
Economic shock of Middle East war to cast shadow over IMF, World Bank meetings
Global finance leaders are meeting amid the Middle East war, a third major shock impacting the world economy. The IMF and World Bank are downgrading growth forecasts and raising inflation predictions, with emerging markets facing the brunt of higher energy prices and supply disruptions. Vulnerable nations require significant emergency support as debt levels soar.
Russia, Ukraine trade blame over Easter truce violations
Ukraine and Russia report numerous truce violations during Orthodox Easter. Both sides accuse each other of thousands of breaches. The ceasefire, intended for the holiday, saw relative calm but not complete peace. Fighting continues as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled over territorial disputes. The war has caused significant loss of life and displacement.
Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine falters
Ukraine reports Russia violated the Orthodox Easter truce with hundreds of incidents. Despite the truce, both nations exchanged prisoners of war. Ukrainian President Zelensky called for a longer ceasefire. Residents of Kharkiv expressed distrust in Russia's commitment to peace. The conflict continues with significant human cost and stalled diplomatic efforts.
Ukraine, Russia swap 175 servicemen each ahead of Easter ceasefire
Ukraine and Russia completed a prisoner exchange on Saturday, bringing home 175 servicemen and seven civilians each. This swap occurred as both nations prepared for a ceasefire to observe Orthodox Easter. The United Arab Emirates mediated the exchange. Many of the freed Ukrainians had been held captive since 2022.
Russia's Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire, expects Ukraine to do the same
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a ceasefire for Orthodox Easter. The truce is set to begin on April 11th at 4 PM and last until the end of April 12th. The Kremlin expects Ukraine to follow Russia's lead and observe the ceasefire. This announcement comes as the Orthodox Easter holiday approaches.
Russia's Nobel Prize-winning rights group Memorial branded 'extremist'
Russia's Supreme Court has declared the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights group Memorial an extremist organization. This move intensifies legal penalties for those who support or work with the group. Memorial, founded to document Soviet-era repression, has documented modern-day political prisoners and rights abuses. The group was previously liquidated in 2021 and its international arm declared undesirable.
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