Zohran Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old democratic socialist of Indian descent, claimed victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo . His grassroots campaign—centered on rent freezes, free public transit, universal childcare, and taxing the wealthy—energized young, South Asian, Muslim, and progressive voters . But his policies and outspoken support for Gaza, criticism of Modi and Netanyahu, and controversial tax proposals prompted backlash from moderates, business leaders, Republicans, and even legal scrutiny . If elected, Mamdani would become NYC’s first Muslim, South Asian, and millennial mayor—symbolizing a broader ideological shift within the Democratic Party. (PC: The Print)

On 27 June 2025, India firmly rejected a “supplemental award” issued by a Pakistan-backed Court of Arbitration under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which claimed competence over its Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects in Jammu & Kashmir . The Ministry of External Affairs labeled the arbitration “illegal”, refusing to recognize the court’s jurisdiction and denouncing it as a “charade at Pakistan’s behest” . India also underscored that it has placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance since April's Pahalgam terror attack and is no longer bound by its obligations until Pakistan credibly renounces support for cross-border terrorism. (PC: India Today)

India has strongly rejected a “supplemental award” by a Court of Arbitration on the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs called the tribunal “illegally constituted” and stated its actions violate the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India also blamed Pakistan for staging a “charade” to deflect attention from its support for terrorism. Following the April Pahalgam attack, India suspended its IWT obligations until Pakistan renounces cross-border terrorism. The MEA reiterated that no tribunal has jurisdiction over India’s sovereign actions. Pakistan first objected to the projects in 2006, alleging they violate water-sharing terms. (PC: News18)

A UK Royal Air Force F-35B fighter jet was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India on 14 June due to an engineering issue. According to the British High Commission, the aircraft will undergo repairs at the airport's Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. UK engineering teams are expected to arrive soon with specialist equipment. Once repairs and safety checks are completed, the jet will return to active service. British authorities thanked Indian officials and the airport for their support and confirmed close cooperation on safety and security. No further details have been shared pending ongoing technical evaluations. (PC: X)

At the June 26 SCO defence ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun to advocate a “permanent solution” to the long‑standing, undemarcated 3,800 km border. He pressed for a structured, time‑bound roadmap involving disengagement, de‑escalation, formal border‑management mechanisms, and eventual demarcation. Singh also emphasized bridging the post‑2020 confrontation trust deficit and maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control. Both nations agreed to continue consultations. This marks a shift from India’s earlier stance of seeking early resolution toward pushing a definitive and lasting settlement. (PC: X)

At June 25–26 defence ministers’ meeting of the SCO in Qingdao, India declined to endorse the joint communique due to the absence of any mention of terrorism, notably the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar endorsed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s stance, stressing that “when the main purpose of the organisation is to fight terrorism,” omitting it was “unacceptable.” He noted consensus failed because one country—widely believed to be Pakistan—blocked the reference, making the statement “meaningless” without unanimity. (PC: PTI)

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, meeting Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Summit in Qingdao, urged a permanent solution to border demarcation and structured de-escalation measures. The two held in-depth discussions on maintaining peace and tranquility along the Indo-China border and agreed to continue consultations at multiple levels. Singh stressed reactivating established mechanisms for disengagement, de‑escalation and delimitation to rebuild trust post‑2020 stand-off. He also updated on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor targeting Pakistan-based terror networks. (PC:X)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, fresh off a rare‑earth trade pact with China, has hinted at a “very big” bilateral trade agreement with India. Speaking at the White House’s “Big Beautiful Bill” event, he emphasized selective diplomacy: “We’re not going to make deals with everybody… Some we … send a letter… you pay 25, 35, 45 per cent.” Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed February discussions between Trump and Prime Minister Modi aimed to finalize a mutually beneficial pact. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described negotiations as “very, very good” and predicted a deal “in the not‑too‑distant future.” The accord aims to deepen trade, investment, and strategic ties between the world’s two largest democracies. (PC: Instagram)

A British Royal Navy F‑35B stealth fighter, valued at $110 million, has been stranded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport since June 14 after an emergency landing due to low fuel and bad weather. A hydraulic snag was discovered post‐landing, preventing its return to HMS Prince of Wales. A small Royal Navy technician team attempted repairs but failed. Now, a 40‑member UK engineering team and specialized tow vehicle are inbound, aiming to shift the jet into Air India’s MRO hangar to shield it from monsoon rains. Parking fees may apply for the extended stay. If on‑site repairs don’t succeed, airlifting the F‑35B via military transport remains an option. (PC: CISF, PTI & CNBC)

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declined to sign the SCO joint communiqué in Qingdao, citing its omission of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, mostly tourists. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar supported the decision, noting a SCO member widely understood as Pakistan refused to include terrorism while the bloc aims to fight it. The draft did reference Pakistan’s Jaffar Express hijacking, seen as a diversion tactic. Singh highlighted India’s “zero tolerance,” praising Operation Sindoor, and warned against double standards. He urged holding terrorists' sponsors accountable, calling for SCO unity against cross‑border terrorism.