India and Japan are set to sign a long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The pact aims to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation while supporting India's growing natural gas demand and Japan's efforts to diversify energy partnerships. The agreement is expected to enhance energy security, deepen strategic ties, and reinforce cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Officials view the LNG deal as a key outcome of the summit, reflecting both nations' commitment to expanding economic collaboration, resilient supply chains, and clean energy transition initiatives amid evolving geopolitical and global energy market challenges across the Indo-Pacific region. (PC: The Tribune)

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said negotiations on the long-awaited US-India trade agreement are in their final stages, with only one percent of discussions remaining after nearly 18 months of talks. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit, Gor expressed confidence that the pact would soon be concluded, noting it would provide greater certainty for businesses in both countries. He highlighted the close relationship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it has strengthened bilateral cooperation. Gor also recalled Trump's positive memories of his India visit and reiterated both nations' ambition to expand bilateral trade from $220 billion to $500 billion.

Pakistan on Tuesday hosted an international conference on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), urging global attention to the dispute after India placed the 1960 agreement in abeyance following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing the gathering, Pakistani leaders warned that undermining the treaty could weaken confidence in international agreements and regional stability. Islamabad stressed that its agriculture and power sectors depend heavily on the Indus River system and highlighted the challenges created by the suspension of hydrological data sharing. The conference was part of Pakistan's diplomatic effort to rally international support as tensions with India over the future of the Indus Waters Treaty continue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who briefed him on the latest developments in West Asia and the way forward. Modi welcomed the recent understanding reached in the region and reiterated India's consistent position that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for sustained efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in West Asia while safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce. The conversation comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows recent diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing hostilities. India has consistently advocated peaceful engagement and dialogue as the preferred route for resolving conflicts in the region.

Tourists struggled through soaring temperatures in Rome as a severe heatwave gripped Italy, with 25 cities placed under red alert and temperatures nearing 40°C. Among them was Indian tourist Arockia Rajasekhar, who said conditions felt "worse than in India" despite lower temperatures because air conditioning was less common. Visitors crowded around misting stations, carried umbrellas and searched for shade near the Colosseum as authorities distributed water and heat safety advice. American tourists also described exhausting conditions, with some consuming several litres of water daily. The latest heatwave, driven by extreme summer conditions across Europe, has renewed concerns over climate change and its growing impact on travel and public health.

The family of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan has alleged that his body was repatriated from Venezuela without several vital organs, prompting calls for an investigation. The Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) claimed the body arrived without an autopsy report or official details from Venezuelan authorities. According to the union, an autopsy conducted in India at the family's request allegedly found the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines missing. Calling the case "unacceptable", FSUI demanded a thorough probe and greater protection for Indian seafarers. The allegations have not yet been independently verified, and Venezuelan authorities have not publicly responded to the claims.

Thousands of protesters gathered at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), declaring that the region is "not part of Pakistan" while accusing Islamabad of imposing a food blockade and decades of political and economic neglect. Demonstrators alleged that restrictions on essential supplies were being used to suppress dissent and warned that residents could seek "other roads" if the situation continued, a remark widely interpreted as hinting at closer engagement with India. The rally, held near the Line of Control (LoC), marked one of the strongest public challenges to Pakistan's control over the territory. Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the protesters' allegations.

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now available in Greece, allowing eligible Indian travellers to make instant digital payments. The service was launched through a partnership between Eurobank and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL). "The increasing global acceptance and appreciation of UPI reflects the trust in India," Union Minister Piyush Goyal said. The new service will help tourists, students, and business travellers pay directly from their linked Indian bank accounts. It is expected to reduce transaction costs, support cash-free payments, and make spending easier in cities such as Athens and other participating locations.

More than 60% of ships carrying cargo to India are limiting or switching off their public tracking signals while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid rising security concerns linked to tensions involving Iran. "Going dark" means ships reduce or stop broadcasting their public location through the Automatic Identification System (AIS). Officials said the vessels continue to sail safely and remain in contact with authorities through secure channels. India has said there is no immediate impact on oil or fuel supplies, and ships are continuing to cross the strategic waterway with extra precautions. (PC: Reuters)

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna criticised US President Donald Trump's foreign and trade policies, saying they had weakened relations between the United States and India. Speaking at the USISPF Leadership Summit, Khanna said "the US-India relationship has been at the lowest point in the last 30 years." He claimed Trump's actions on Iran and trade had raised fuel prices and damaged US credibility with allies. Khanna also criticised military action taken without consulting partners such as India, Europe, and Canada. His remarks came as other speakers at the summit praised the strength of India-US relations.