On Youm-e-Tashakkur, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan is a peaceful nation but will respond decisively if its sovereignty is challenged. Addressing the nation after hoisting the flag at the Prime Minister’s House, he praised the armed forces for their “befitting” response during recent clashes with India. The observance included gun salutes, prayers, and nationwide rallies honoring military personnel. Sharif also visited the home of a fallen squadron leader and met injured soldiers at Rawalpindi's military hospital. President Zardari and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed firm stances, emphasizing national sovereignty and justifying Pakistan’s actions as self-defence. (PC: AFP)

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a significant conversation with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking the highest-level political engagement since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. This dialogue follows a series of interactions, including a meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Muttaqi in Dubai earlier this year. The discussions focused on condemning the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack and reaffirming the traditional friendship between India and the Afghan people. Despite not officially recognizing the Taliban regime, India has maintained a technical mission in Kabul, indicating a pragmatic approach to regional diplomacy amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. (PC: ANI)

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the recent ceasefire with Pakistan places the neighboring country "on probation," emphasizing that India's trust must be earned through consistent actions. He highlighted that the ceasefire is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to assess Pakistan's commitment to peace. Singh warned that any violation would prompt a strong response from India, asserting that the nation's patience should not be mistaken for leniency. He reiterated India's stance on zero tolerance towards terrorism and underscored the importance of vigilance along the Line of Control. The Defence Minister's remarks come amid ongoing efforts to maintain stability in the region following the ceasefire agreement. (PC: Aaj Tak & PTI)

Amid escalating tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the Indian Army neutralized over 600 drones launched by Pakistan. These drones, targeting military installations across northern and western India, were intercepted using advanced defense systems, including the S-400 Triumf and indigenous Akash missiles. In retaliation, India initiated Operation Sindoor, executing precision strikes on Pakistani military assets. The Indian Army released footage of drones being shot down, reaffirming its commitment to national security. A ceasefire was established on May 10, with India emphasizing its right to respond to threats. The situation underscores the volatile nature of Indo-Pak relations and the importance of robust defense mechanisms. (PC: News 18 & The Times of India)

Following India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah advocates for reviving the long-stalled Tulbul Navigation Project on Wular Lake. Initiated in the 1980s but halted due to treaty constraints, Abdullah views the current pause as an opportunity to complete the project, enhancing regional water management and navigation. Conversely, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti criticizes this move as "dangerously provocative," warning it could escalate tensions with Pakistan. The Tulbul project's revival has sparked political debate, highlighting differing perspectives on leveraging water resources amid strained Indo-Pak relations. (PC: India Today & Firstpost)

On May 15, 2025, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged for a "composite dialogue" with India to address all contentious issues, including the suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India had put the IWT in abeyance following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths and was linked to Pakistan-based terrorists. Dar warned that any attempt to block Pakistan's water would be treated as "an act of war." While a ceasefire has been extended until May 18, Dar emphasized the necessity of political processes to resolve bilateral problems. India maintains that any talks with Pakistan will focus solely on cross-border terrorism, ruling out third-party mediation. (PC: Hindustan Times & The CSR Journal)

Air India has urged the Indian government to cancel IndiGo’s wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines, citing national security and economic concerns. Under this agreement, Turkish Airlines provides aircraft and crew for IndiGo's India-Istanbul routes. Air India argues that the deal disproportionately benefits Turkey, boosts its tourism, and may pose strategic risks due to Turkey’s political support for Pakistan. IndiGo defends the arrangement, saying it improves international connectivity and supports Indian employment. The lease is renewed every six months and is currently set to expire on May 31, 2025. (PC: The Economic Times)

IIT Roorkee has withdrawn from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Turkish university, citing rising diplomatic sensitivities. This decision reflects the institute's commitment to aligning its international collaborations with India's broader foreign policy considerations. The MoU, initially aimed at fostering academic exchange and research collaboration, was reassessed in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics. The withdrawal underscores the importance of ensuring that international academic partnerships are in harmony with national diplomatic stances. While specific details of the diplomatic sensitivities were not disclosed, the move highlights the intricate balance institutions must maintain between academic pursuits and geopolitical realities. IIT Roorkee remains dedicated to its global engagement strategy, ensuring that future collaborations are both academically enriching and diplomatically appropriate. (PC: The Hindu)

India's BJP slammed Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for citing a fake headline from UK’s The Telegraph, falsely declaring the Pakistan Air Force as the “undisputed king of the skies.” India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed the image was AI-generated and never published by the newspaper. BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, called out the spread of misinformation, comparing it to similar tactics used by opposition figures. Even Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper exposed the falsehood, pointing out glaring errors in the forged image. (PC: AFP)  

Colonel (Retd) John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, praised India’s Operation Sindoor as a clear display of military dominance. He emphasized that India’s use of BrahMos missiles successfully breached Chinese-made air defense systems used by Pakistan. The operation showcased India’s ability to strike deep into enemy territory with precision. Spencer also highlighted India’s robust air defense in countering drone and missile threats. Launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the operation reflects India's readiness and strategic edge over both Pakistan and China. (PC: India Today)