IIT Roorkee has withdrawn from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Turkish university, citing rising diplomatic sensitivities.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)  

On May 15, 2025, several individuals were detained by Delhi Police during a protest near the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi. The demonstrators were expressing dissent against recent remarks made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan concerning the Kashmir issue. The protestors, comprising members of various student and activist groups, attempted to march towards the embassy without obtaining prior permission, leading to their detention. Authorities had imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in the area to prevent unlawful assembly. The detained individuals were taken to nearby police stations and later released. The incident underscores ongoing tensions and the sensitivity surrounding international comments on India's internal matters. (PC: Zee News, Hindustan Times & The Tribune)

On May 16, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at Bhuj Airbase, accused Pakistan of allocating ₹14 crore to rebuild terrorist infrastructures of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Muridke and Bahawalpur. He urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider its recent $1 billion loan to Pakistan, asserting that such funds could indirectly support terrorism. Singh highlighted India's successful Operation Sindoor, which dismantled nine terror camps, and emphasized the nation's readiness to counter any threats. Quoting poet Bashir Badr, he warned Pakistan against provocative actions. Singh's statements underscore concerns about Pakistan's alleged misuse of international aid and the imperative for global institutions to ensure funds are not diverted to support terrorism. (PC: India Today)

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed, India is intensifying diplomatic efforts to expose Pakistan's alleged role in cross-border terrorism. The government plans to dispatch multi-party MP delegations to global capitals, aiming to present evidence and garner international support. This initiative complements India's broader strategy, which includes presenting new intelligence to the UN Security Council and mobilizing over 200 diplomatic missions worldwide. The goal is to counter Pakistan's denial and highlight its purported support for terrorist activities. These measures follow India's military response, Operation Sindoor, targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and a series of diplomatic actions, including the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and suspension of bilateral agreements. (PC: Mint)

On May 16, 2025, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Bhuj Air Force Station, emphasized that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal should be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), labeling Pakistan as a "rogue nation." He commended the Indian military's actions during the recent standoff, stating, "Naya Bharat ab sahan nahi karta, balki wah palat kar jawab deta hai." Singh also mentioned that "Operation Sindoor is not over yet," indicating ongoing vigilance. Following the ceasefire announced on May 10, normalcy is returning to border areas, with schools reopening and displaced residents returning home. Singh's remarks underscore India's firm stance on national security and regional stability. (PC: Bloomberg & Daily Times)

In retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, India launched "Operation Sindoor," executing precision airstrikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes, lasting 23 minutes, targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the swift operation, while Prime Minister Modi emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism. Pakistan's claims of downing Indian Rafale jets were debunked by experts. Subsequent Pakistani drone attacks on 26 Indian locations were thwarted. Both nations accused each other of ceasefire violations, with India authorizing military responses. International calls for de-escalation intensified as India dispatched all-party delegations abroad to garner global support. At Bhuj Air Force Station, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Whatever you did during Operation Sindoor, has made all Indians proud - whether they are in India or abroad. Just 23 minutes were enough for the Indian Air Force to crush terrorism being nurtured in Pakistan." (PC: Deccan Chronicle)

In a historic first, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking India's initial ministerial-level engagement with Afghanistan's Taliban regime. The conversation followed the Taliban's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-linked terrorists. Jaishankar appreciated this stance and emphasized India's traditional friendship with the Afghan people and support for their development needs. He also welcomed Muttaqi's rejection of attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false reports. Discussions included increasing visas for Afghan nationals, bilateral trade, the release of Afghan prisoners in Indian jails, and development of Iran's Chabahar Port. (PC: The Caravan)

On May 12, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard denied entry to a Pakistani national aboard the Iraqi cargo vessel MT R Ocean at Karnataka’s Karwar Port. The ship, transporting bitumen from Iraq, included 14 Indian crew members, two Syrians, and one Pakistani citizen, with an Indian captain. Due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, authorities prohibited the Pakistani and Syrian nationals from disembarking and seized their mobile phones. After unloading, the vessel departed for Iraq. This incident aligns with India’s intensified security measures, including Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan, visa cancellations for Pakistani citizens, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's call for international oversight of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. (PC: Deccan Herald & Flickr)