In a decisive response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including one Nepali citizen, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. Targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the precision strikes aimed at dismantling infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. The Indian military emphasized that the operation was calibrated to avoid escalation, deliberately steering clear of Pakistani military sites. Officials highlighted India's commitment to defending national security while maintaining strategic restraint. A formal government briefing is expected later today to provide further details. This marks a significant shift in India’s counterterror response. 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared a video of his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating each other on finalizing the historic UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Starmer hailed the deal as “the biggest since Brexit,” emphasizing its potential to raise living standards and strengthen ties between the two nations. Modi acknowledged Starmer’s leadership, calling the deal a “milestone in the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership.” The FTA aims to slash tariffs on goods like whisky, cosmetics, and automobiles, boosting trade by £25.5 billion and benefiting both economies.

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer announced the successful conclusion of a landmark India–UK Free Trade Agreement and a Double Contribution Convention, marking a major milestone in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The agreements aim to boost trade, innovation, job creation, and economic cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders emphasized the historic nature of the deal and its potential to elevate bilateral ties. PM Modi invited PM Starmer to visit India, reinforcing their shared commitment to deepening collaboration. PM Starmer highlighted the deal as part of the UK’s broader strategy to build a stronger, more secure economy through global partnerships.(PC: India Today)

On April 22, 2025, five militants attacked tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26, including 25 Hindus and one Christian. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility but later retracted. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based groups, leading to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, and closure of the Wagah-Attari border. Pakistan denied involvement, conducted missile tests, and claimed intelligence of an imminent Indian strike. The UN Security Council urged both nations to de-escalate. Moody's warned of economic repercussions for both countries. The standoff has intensified military activities and diplomatic tensions, with international actors calling for restraint. (PC: Fortune India & The Indian Express)

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has shifted tone, urging peace with India just days after threatening "blood in the Indus" over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking in Pakistan’s National Assembly, Bhutto said Pakistan welcomes peaceful dialogue if India approaches with "open hands." His peace overture follows heightened Indo-Pak tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. India responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties. Bhutto's earlier remarks drew backlash, and social platform X has since suspended his account, citing inflammatory rhetoric. His statement signals a possible softening amid growing regional pressure. (PC: AFP)

India is projected to surpass Japan as the world's fourth-largest economy in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF forecasts India's nominal GDP will reach $4.187 trillion, slightly ahead of Japan's $4.186 trillion. In 2024, India ranked fifth with a GDP of $3.9 trillion, trailing Japan's $4.1 trillion. India's economy is expected to grow by 6.3% in 2025, maintaining its status as the fastest-growing major economy, while Japan's growth is projected at 0.6%. This anticipated shift underscores India's robust economic trajectory and its increasing influence in the global economic landscape. (PC: Swarajya & Advantour)

The Indian Finance Ministry and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have categorically denied media reports suggesting that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requested funding cuts to Pakistan following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry labeled such claims as "incorrect" and "without basis in fact," clarifying that no discussions regarding halting funds to Pakistan occurred. Similarly, the ADB confirmed that during the bilateral meeting between Sitharaman and ADB President Masato Kanda at the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in Milan, issues related to Pakistan were not discussed. These denials aim to dispel speculations linking India's diplomatic engagements to financial decisions concerning Pakistan amid escalating tensions. (PC: The Tribune)

India's Ministry of Culture has issued a legal notice to halt the auction of the Piprahwa gems, scheduled for 7 May in Hong Kong by Sotheby’s. These ancient relics, including amethysts, pearls, and gold, were discovered in 1898 by British landowner William Claxton Peppé in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. Found alongside the cremated remains of the Buddha, dating back to 240–200 BC, they hold immense religious significance. The ministry deems the auction unethical and a violation of Indian and international laws, demanding repatriation and a public apology. Legal action is threatened if the auction proceeds. Sotheby’s acknowledges the notice and is reviewing the matter. (PC: Sotheby's)

India is actively working to reinstate Pakistan on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, citing new evidence of Islamabad's alleged support for terrorism. This move aims to hinder Pakistan's access to International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasizes the need for Pakistan to take "credible, verifiable, irreversible, and sustained" actions against terrorism and its financing. Despite Pakistan's removal from the grey list in October 2022, India maintains that scrutiny must continue. In response, Pakistan has criticized India's stance as "preposterous and unwarranted," accusing India of politicizing FATF deliberations. India, however, is intensifying efforts to present evidence at global forums to expose Pakistan's alleged illicit activities. (PC: CNBC)

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed strong support for India. He condemned the attack as a "cowardly act of terrorism" and assured that the U.S. would "do everything we can" to assist India in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Johnson emphasized the importance of the U.S.-India partnership in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability. He also highlighted the need for international collaboration to prevent such attacks in the future. The Pahalgam attack, targeting tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, has drawn widespread international condemnation and intensified calls for global action against terrorism. (PC: Reuters)