UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. In separate conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, Guterres emphasized the need to avoid conflict and pursue justice through legal channels. India has responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani military officials, and closing the Attari land post. Pakistan warned of an “act of war” and hinted at an Indian military incursion. India has given its armed forces operational freedom to respond decisively to the attack. (PC: AP)

Mark Carney, newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, is expected to usher in a reset in India-Canada relations, distancing his leadership from the strained legacy of Justin Trudeau. Carney's Liberals have secured 168 seats, just shy of a majority, while the influence of pro-Khalistani NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has waned. With Singh's party weakened, Carney’s pragmatic approach and recognition of India’s economic significance could help rebuild trust and bolster trade ties. His campaign rhetoric emphasized a break from Trudeau-era policies, raising hopes in New Delhi for a diplomatic "Carneyval" after the chill of recent years. (PC: India Today)

China urged India and Pakistan to stay calm and solve their problems through talks. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said their peaceful coexistence is very important for South Asia’s stability. Guo made the statement after gunfire was exchanged between Indian and Pakistani troops following the terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. China condemned the attack and asked both countries to exercise restraint. China’s top diplomat Wang Yi also spoke to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who asked for China's support. China said it welcomes any steps that help reduce tension and bring peace to the region. (PC: NDTV)

The UK and India are on the brink of finalizing a landmark bilateral trade agreement after an intense two-day negotiation sprint in London. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that 25 of 26 key issues have been resolved. British business leaders have been invited to Downing Street for an expected announcement. Talks began in 2022 and saw renewed momentum after UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds visited Delhi in February. While visa issues were a sticking point, both sides recently agreed on limited concessions. The deal marks a major breakthrough in UK-India relations and could significantly boost economic ties. (PC: Getty Images)

Mark Carney, former central banker, has been elected as Canada's Prime Minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau. Carney secured 85.9% of the Liberal Party vote, emphasizing a commitment to diversify trade relations, notably with India. He aims to rebuild strained ties with India, advocating for shared values in commercial relationships. Carney's experience with Brookfield Asset Management, which has significant investments in India, positions him favorably to enhance bilateral economic and strategic connections. His leadership marks a potential shift in Canada's foreign policy, focusing on strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations amidst global economic uncertainties. (PC: News18)

Mark Carney's Liberal Party is set to form a minority government in Canada, signaling a potential reset in strained India-Canada relations. Carney emphasizes diversifying trade ties, identifying India as a key opportunity. However, his administration plans to cap immigration, including international students and temporary workers, to under 5% of Canada's population by 2027, down from 7.3%. Permanent resident admissions will stabilize below 1% annually beyond 2027. These measures aim to address housing and infrastructure challenges. For Indian students, who constitute a significant portion of Canada's international student community, this could mean stricter visa regulations and limited opportunities, despite Carney's intent to strengthen bilateral trade and diplomatic ties. (PC: India Today & Rediff)

At the United Nations, India labeled Pakistan a "rogue state" following Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's admission of supporting terrorist groups. Indian envoy Yojna Patel highlighted this confession during a UN session, emphasizing Pakistan's history of training and funding terrorists. She referenced the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed, marking it as the deadliest since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Patel criticized Pakistan for misusing the UN platform to propagate baseless allegations against India and stressed the global community's need to recognize Pakistan's role in fueling terrorism. India also expressed appreciation for international support post-Pahalgam and underscored the importance of initiatives like the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) to support terrorism victims.

India has scaled back its demand for increased UK work visas for IT and healthcare professionals in ongoing free trade negotiations, agreeing to a modest annual quota of 100 additional visas. This concession follows British concerns over net migration. While the mobility chapter of the deal is finalized, India is now focusing on securing exemptions from UK national insurance contributions for short-term Indian workers, arguing they already contribute to Indian pension schemes. Additionally, India is challenging the UK's proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism, which could impose taxes on high-emission imports like steel and cement starting in 2027. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is addressing these issues during his visits to London and Brussels. (PC: X/Piyush Goyal)

Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP), announced his resignation after losing his seat in the recent federal election. Overcome with emotion, Singh addressed supporters, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and acknowledging the party's electoral setbacks. His departure marks the end of an era for the NDP, which faced significant challenges during the campaign. Singh's leadership tenure was characterized by advocacy for social justice and progressive policies. The NDP will now undergo a leadership transition as it seeks to rebuild and redefine its role in Canadian politics. Singh's resignation underscores the shifting political landscape following the election results. (PC: The Tribune)

Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, Pakistan has repositioned radar systems to forward locations in the Sialkot sector, anticipating potential Indian airstrikes. Electronic warfare units have also been deployed near the Ferozepur sector to monitor Indian movements. A TPS-77 radar site was recently established at Chor Cantonment, 58 km from the international border. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described an Indian military strike as "imminent." Ceasefire violations continue for the fifth day along the Line of Control, with Pakistani forces initiating unprovoked firing in Kupwara, Baramulla, and Akhnoor sectors, prompting retaliatory action from the Indian Army. (PC: PTI & NDTV)