In a candid interview with a Dutch media outlet, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted that Pakistan's army is deeply entrenched in terrorism, urging the global community to cease overlooking this reality. He highlighted that the most notorious terrorists on the UN sanctions list reside openly in Pakistan, with their locations and activities well-known. Jaishankar emphasized that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstance and criticized the recent attacks targeting Jammu and Kashmir's tourism industry, noting the deliberate religious undertones. He reaffirmed India's stance that Jammu and Kashmir's accession in 1947 is a settled historical fact and dismissed any international mediation, stating that the issue is strictly bilateral. (PC: Sputnik India)

On May 22, 2025, an IndiGo flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a sudden hailstorm, leading the pilot to request temporary access to Pakistani airspace from Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) to avoid severe turbulence. Lahore ATC denied the request, compelling the pilot to remain within Indian airspace and declare an emergency with Srinagar ATC. The aircraft sustained significant nose damage but landed safely in Srinagar with around 220 passengers unharmed. Notably, a Trinamool Congress delegation was aboard. This incident underscores the operational challenges and geopolitical sensitivities affecting cross-border airspace usage, especially during emergencies. (PC: News18)

The UN has reported a sharp escalation in Israeli military operations in Gaza, highlighting an alarming pattern of strikes on hospitals, homes, and entire neighborhoods. According to the UN situation report, 81% of Gaza's territory is now designated as militarised zones or under forced displacement orders. The ongoing “Gideon’s Chariots” campaign is marked by the widespread use of weapons with broad impact, indicating indiscriminate attacks with little regard for civilian safety. The UN human rights office condemned the methodical destruction and warned that such tactics may constitute violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. (PC: Reuters)  

On May 22, 2025, two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky (30) and Sarah Lynn Milgrim (26), were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. They had just attended an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The suspected shooter, Elias Rodriguez (31) from Chicago, allegedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans and cited the Gaza conflict as his motive. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and other offenses. Authorities are treating the incident as a hate crime and potential act of terrorism, amid growing concerns over rising antisemitic violence. (PC: Reuters)  

In a sharp critique during an interview with Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accused Pakistan of allowing UN-designated terrorists to operate openly in its major cities with the support of state and military institutions. He dismissed claims that Pakistan is unaware of their whereabouts, emphasizing that the presence and activities of these individuals are internationally recognized. Jaishankar warned that any future terrorist attack originating from Pakistani soil would have consequences. He also praised India's Operation Sindoor as a strong and necessary step in the fight against terrorism. (PC: Hindustan Times)  

In a key diplomatic outreach, India’s Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, reaffirmed India’s uncompromising stance on terrorism, declaring “zero tolerance” as the global standard. This declaration came during the visit of a multi-party Indian delegation to Tokyo, which included TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. The visit aimed to galvanize international backing against cross-border terrorism, particularly after the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22. Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed strong support for India’s anti-terror position. The delegation also held strategic dialogues with Japanese think tanks and former PM Yoshihide Suga to reinforce India's global anti-terror narrative. (PC: ANI)  

In response to Pakistan's military shortcomings exposed during India's Operation Sindoor, China and Pakistan held a key meeting on May 16, 2025. The focus was on enhancing Pakistan's access to China's BeiDou satellite navigation system and integrating advanced 5G communication technologies. Although BeiDou support was already available during the operation, Indian forces effectively disabled Pakistan's Chinese-built air defense with BrahMos missiles and S-400 systems. The meeting reflects China’s push to reinforce Pakistan’s defense capabilities amid growing regional tension and highlights deeper strategic ties between the two nations in the face of Indian military advancements. (PC: India Today)  

A month after the deadly terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people in Pahalgam, the region’s tourism industry is facing a major crisis. In response to ongoing security threats, authorities have shut down 48 of the 87 tourist spots in the area. The move has drastically reduced tourist footfall, dealing a blow to local businesses dependent on the sector. Despite enhanced security and promotional efforts by tourism bodies, fear and uncertainty persist. Pahalgam, once bustling with visitors, now stands eerily silent, struggling to recover from the shock and economic fallout. (PC: AP)  

The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University's certification to enrol international students, citing allegations of antisemitism and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared the move “effective immediately,” accusing Harvard of fostering violence and noncompliance with federal law. Harvard condemned the action as “unlawful” and pledged continued support for its international community. This decision follows a prior lawsuit by Harvard against federal overreach into academic policies and a DHS request for student protest data. The university is expected to mount another legal challenge, warning of broader threats to academic freedom nationwide. (PC: India Today)

Two Israeli embassy staff members, Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were fatally shot after leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was detained at the scene after reportedly shouting “Free Palestine.” The FBI has searched a property linked to him, confirming no ongoing threat. President Trump condemned the act as “obviously antisemitic,” while Israeli officials called it a result of rising incitement. Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered increased security at embassies globally. Authorities are investigating possible terror ties behind the deadly attack. (PC: EPA)