Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share insights from his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, focused on the Ukraine war. Modi thanked Putin for the conversation, reaffirming India’s consistent stance on resolving the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. The leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in defense and energy, reinforcing their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The call came ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India welcomed the Trump-Putin summit, praising their leadership and emphasizing that peace can only be achieved through sustained dialogue. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact amid evolving global dynamics. (PC: NDTV)                        

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi began a two-day visit to India, marking the first high-level engagement since the LAC disengagement in November 2024. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need to advance the de-escalation process, citing peace and tranquility at the border as essential for bilateral momentum. Wang will meet NSA Ajit Doval for the 24th round of boundary talks and is expected to call on Prime Minister Modi ahead of the SCO summit in Tianjin. Jaishankar stressed “three mutuals” such as respect, sensitivity, and interest and warned that differences must not escalate into disputes. Talks also covered trade, connectivity, river data sharing, and global stability amid rising geopolitical tensions. (PC: The Hindu & NDTV)

Foreign minister S Jaishankar met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on Monday. He said, “The basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward.” Jaishankar stressed that India and China must work together after a difficult phase in relations. He also called for stronger action against terrorism, noting China’s links with Pakistan. He added that India supports a multipolar Asia and a fair world order. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue on global issues. (PC: NDTV)

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share details of his Alaska meeting with US President Donald Trump. Modi thanked Putin, saying India supports a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict and values continued exchanges. The call comes after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods and an extra 25% penalty on Russian oil imports, accusing India of “funding Putin’s war.” India welcomed the Trump-Putin talks, calling their leadership “commendable” for peace. However, the summit ended without a deal. Trump described the meeting as “very productive” but left the next move to Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy. (PC: India Today)

Scottish historian and writer William Dalrymple has claimed that his great aunt, English author Virginia Woolf, was “part Bengali.” He said their family shared Bengali roots through a grandmother born in Chandannagar, West Bengal, who married a Frenchman. Dalrymple added that Woolf’s grandmother proudly carried her Bengali and Hindu heritage while living abroad. Known for classics like Mrs Dalloway and To the Lighthouse, Woolf is celebrated as a pioneer of modernist literature and feminist thought. Dalrymple said Woolf’s features and style reflected Indian influence. He suggested that she should be celebrated as “a daughter of the soil” in Bengal. (PC: X)

A Sikh postman in Queensland, Australia, has gone viral for a simple but kind act. Gurpreet Singh delivered a package to resident Verrity Wandel during a rainstorm. Before leaving, he noticed her bedsheets on the clothesline. He quickly took them down and placed them safely under shelter. The thoughtful gesture was captured on CCTV and shared online by Wandel. The video gathered millions of views and even won a nod from actor Priyanka Chopra. Social media users praised Singh’s kindness, calling it “rare” and “beautiful.” Wandel later met Singh and thanked him for his caring action. (PC: HT)

Diana Pundole, India’s first female race car champion, is set to make her Middle East debut this September at the Ferrari Club Challenge. She will race across Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai. Diana began her journey through go-karting before breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. In 2023, she became the first Indian woman to win a mixed-gender race, followed by her national saloon car championship win in 2024. Ahead of her UAE debut, Diana said she is excited to compete on world-class tracks and inspire others to follow their passion without limits. (PC: MENAFN)

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has backed Army Chief Asim Munir’s controversial analogy comparing India to a “shining Mercedes” and Pakistan to a “dump truck.” Munir first used the metaphor during a Saudi delegation’s visit in May and repeated it at a private dinner in Florida, claiming Pakistan’s gravel-loaded truck could damage India’s sleek car in a collision. Naqvi echoed the sentiment, denying Indian missile strikes during ‘Operation Sindoor’ despite satellite evidence showing major damage to Pakistani air bases. Munir’s remarks sparked ridicule online, with users mocking Pakistan’s self-deprecating comparison and praising India’s military might. Critics called the analogy delusional and reflective of Pakistan’s diminished strategic standing. (PC: NDTV)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in India, signaling Beijing’s willingness to continue diplomatic talks with a “positive attitude,” according to the Chinese foreign ministry. His visit comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize bilateral relations following recent border tensions. The statement underscores China’s intent to maintain dialogue and cooperation, especially in light of regional and global challenges. Wang Yi’s presence in India coincides with the country’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, adding symbolic weight to the timing. While specific agenda details remain undisclosed, the visit is seen as a strategic move to reset ties and explore mutual interests in trade, security, and regional stability.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended America’s decision to impose extra tariffs on India, now totaling 50% while sparing China, despite both buying Russian oil. Rubio warned that sanctioning China could destabilize global energy markets, as China refines and re‑exports Russian crude, potentially driving prices upward. He further spoke about a Senate bill proposing to sanction countries like India and China for buying Russian oil, and said the US did hear from "a number of European countries" regarding some concerns they may have had about it. India criticized the U.S. for “double standards,” maintaining its energy needs require affordable supply from Russia. Meanwhile, Trump hinted he might postpone actions against other nations like China.