At the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, blaming the West and NATO for provoking the conflict. He cited the 2013–2014 Ukrainian revolution and NATO’s push to include Ukraine as key triggers. Putin rejected ceasefire calls and reiterated demands for Ukraine to cede territory and abandon Western alliances. He praised peace efforts by India, China, and other strategic partners, while calling for a new global system beyond Eurocentric models. Despite pressure from leaders like Donald Trump, peace talks remain stalled. Putin’s remarks underscore deepening geopolitical divides and Russia’s pivot toward Asian-led alliances like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

A devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province near the Pakistan border at 11:47 PM local time on Sunday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences. Early reports suggest hundreds are feared dead, with 30 fatalities confirmed in a single village. Rescue operations are underway in remote mountainous districts, but access remains difficult. Health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman stated that casualty numbers are expected to rise, with hundreds injured already hospitalized. The quake’s epicenter was near Jalalabad, just 119 km from Kabul, at a depth of 14 km. Two additional tremors of 4.5 and 5.2 magnitude followed shortly after, intensifying fears in a region still recovering from the deadly 2023 quake. (PC: Sky News & Reuters)

In a controversial interview with Fox News, former Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro accused sections of Indian society, specifically Brahmins of profiteering from discounted Russian oil, allegedly at the expense of ordinary citizens. Navarro questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagement with Russia and China, despite leading “the biggest democracy in the world.” He claimed India’s oil imports from Russia surged post-Ukraine invasion, with refined crude being re-exported to Africa, Europe, and Asia. Navarro argued this trade “fuels Russia’s war machine” and criticized India’s tariff policies, calling the country the “Maharaja of tariff.” His remarks sparked backlash for their communal undertone and raised concerns over politicizing India’s energy strategy amid global tensions. (PC: CNN)

At the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif appeared sidelined as Indian PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a visibly warm exchange. Viral videos showed Modi chatting animatedly with Putin ahead of the plenary session, while Sharif stood nearby with a grim expression. In the official family photo, Modi was positioned several places away from Sharif. Modi later posted photos with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting “exchanging perspectives” and calling his meeting with Putin “a delight.” The moment unfolded amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the April Pahalgam terror attack, which India blamed on Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, The Resistance Front.

At the SCO summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India and China for their diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis. He emphasized India’s balanced approach and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent calls for peace, countering Western narratives, particularly those from Trump aide Peter Navarro, who controversially labeled the conflict “Modi’s war.” Putin criticized NATO’s role and Western interference, asserting that Russia remains open to dialogue. His remarks highlight India’s growing influence in global diplomacy and its strategic positioning as a peace broker. The statement also reflects Russia’s pivot toward Asian powers amid strained ties with the West. (PC: X)

At the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit in Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a pointed message on terrorism with Pakistan’s PM present. Modi declared that terrorism remains a challenge for all humanity and condemned “double standards” on the issue. He cited the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and emphasized that peace, security, and stability are essential for progress. Modi urged SCO nations to unite against terror and highlighted India’s leadership in combating groups like Al-Qaeda and its affiliates. He also opposed terror financing and thanked friendly nations for their support. His remarks reinforced India’s firm stance on global counterterrorism efforts. (PC: Bloomberg & x)

A powerful 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night, killing dozens and leaving hundreds feared dead. The quake hit Kunar and Nangarhar provinces at a shallow depth of 8km, shaking homes from Kabul to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. Taliban officials said many villages were destroyed, with houses buried under rubble. Landslides blocked roads, forcing rescuers to use helicopters. Hospitals in Nangarhar and nearby regions are receiving injured survivors, while volunteers are donating blood. Aftershocks continue, forcing families to sleep outside. Authorities warned the death toll could rise sharply, and called for urgent international help to reach remote mountain areas. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin. Both leaders agreed that India-China ties should be built on trust, respect, and sensitivity. Modi said cooperation between 2.8 billion people will benefit humanity. Xi called India a “vital friend” and stressed that the border issue must not define relations. They discussed border management, direct flights, and trade cooperation. The talks come as US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on India to 50% over Russian oil imports. Modi will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit. (PC: X)

Greta Thunberg has left Barcelona with the largest flotilla of boats carrying aid to Gaza. The 22-year-old activist was cheered by thousands of supporters waving Palestinian flags as she departed on Sunday. The flotilla includes activists from 44 countries and aims to deliver aid and push for a humanitarian corridor. Thunberg said the mission challenges an unjust system and shows solidarity with Gaza. Israel has long enforced a naval blockade, saying it is needed to stop weapons from reaching Hamas. Previous aid attempts, including one by Thunberg in June, were blocked by Israeli forces. More ships will join from Europe. (PC: Sky News)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, for the first time in seven years. He was warmly welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders said they are committed to improving ties and plan to expand trade and investments despite new US tariffs on India. At the summit, Xi told leaders the SCO now has “greater responsibilities” to safeguard peace and stability. Russian President Vladimir Putin also joined the meeting. Modi shared photos with leaders from Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar, and others, highlighting cooperation. Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif was also present at the event. (PC: X)