On May 15, 2025, India revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Turkish company Çelebi Aviation Holding, citing national security concerns. The move comes in response to Turkey’s recent public support for Pakistan during escalating India-Pakistan tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor. Çelebi, which operates ground-handling services at nine major Indian airports, will no longer be allowed to function. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the order, asking airports to arrange alternative services and initiate new tenders for ground-handling operations. (PC: PTI)    

In a historic diplomatic development, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. This marks the first ministerial-level engagement between India and the Taliban regime since its 2021 takeover. The discussion focused on bilateral relations, regional security, and humanitarian concerns. Jaishankar appreciated the Taliban’s condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Key topics included trade, visa facilitation for Afghan nationals, and the strategic development of Iran’s Chabahar Port. The move signals a possible shift in India’s approach to engaging with Afghanistan under Taliban rule. (PC: NDTV)    

India and Pakistan have agreed to uphold a ceasefire and implement confidence-building measures following intense cross-border clashes earlier this month. The Indian Army confirmed that Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both nations reached an understanding on May 10 to reduce alert levels along the border. The conflict began after Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, prompting India to launch precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor. Though Pakistan claims the ceasefire is temporary until May 18, India has not acknowledged further DGMO talks. Both sides are now focusing on de-escalation amid continued military tensions and public scrutiny. (PC: News18)

A UK court has once again denied bail to Nirav Modi, the prime accused in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. This was Modi's 10th bail attempt since his arrest in London in 2019. The High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, rejected the plea, citing a “real and substantial” flight risk. Modi, declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019, has exhausted all legal appeals, including at the UK Supreme Court. The CBI and Crown Prosecution Service strongly opposed the bail. Modi faces three criminal cases in India involving fraud, money laundering, and tampering with evidence and witnesses. (PC: Hindustan Times)

US President Donald Trump told Apple CEO Tim Cook he doesn't want iPhones made in India, sparking global headlines. However, Indian officials and Apple sources dismissed the remarks, affirming production plans remain unchanged. Apple aims to manufacture most US-bound iPhones in India starting June 2025. Indian government sources said Apple sees value in local manufacturing due to competitive advantages and a strong ecosystem. Despite Trump’s concerns about tariffs and outsourcing, analysts say shifting production entirely to the US is unrealistic. Apple continues to ramp up operations in India, exporting iPhones and accessories as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. (PC: India Today)

Following a ceasefire agreement on May 10, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to initiate peace talks with India. The ceasefire came after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians, triggering India's Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. While Sharif signaled openness to diplomacy, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly stated that talks will be limited to terrorism. “The only talks with Pakistan will be on terror,” said Jaishankar, adding that Pakistan must dismantle its terror infrastructure. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty until cross-border terrorism is irreversibly stopped. (PC: HT)

After President Donald Trump told Apple CEO Tim Cook, “I don’t want you building in India,” Indian officials responded, saying Apple will realise the value of manufacturing here. “India has become a significant player in smartphone production… companies will see the benefits,” a source said. Apple has no plans to change its India investment, executives told PTI. Most iPhones for the US market will be made in India from June. AirPods are also being produced in Telangana. In 2025, iPhone exports from India reached ₹1.5 lakh crore. Experts say shifting all production to the US would be costly and complex. (PC: NDTV)

India and Pakistan have agreed to continue their pause on cross-border military actions. The decision came after the DGMOs of both nations spoke on May 10. Officials said both sides will keep building trust and reduce alert levels. This follows days of heavy fighting, drone attacks, and shelling earlier this month. The clashes began after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 6-7, hitting terror camps in Pakistan. The Indian government said 100 terrorists were killed. With tensions easing, both sides are now focused on avoiding more conflict and maintaining peace along the border. Further updates will follow as talks continue. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the India-US trade deal must be fair to both sides. “Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial; it has to work for both countries,” he said. He also noted, “These are complicated negotiations. Nothing is decided till everything is.” Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit the US on May 17 for another round of high-level talks. He will be joined by India’s Chief Negotiator and other officials. The goal is to push forward a bilateral trade agreement and address tariff issues. India hopes to grow trade with the US to $500 billion by 2030. (PC: News18)

On May 15, 2025, the Indian government revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a Turkish ground-handling firm, due to national security concerns. The move follows Turkey's vocal support for Pakistan amid recent India-Pakistan tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Celebi, which operates at nine major Indian airports including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, handles key operations like cargo and passenger services. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security issued the revocation, effective immediately. Airports have been instructed to arrange interim services and initiate fresh tenders for ground-handling contracts. (PC: India Today)