On May 15, 2025, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged for a "composite dialogue" with India to address all contentious issues, including the suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India had put the IWT in abeyance following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths and was linked to Pakistan-based terrorists. Dar warned that any attempt to block Pakistan's water would be treated as "an act of war." While a ceasefire has been extended until May 18, Dar emphasized the necessity of political processes to resolve bilateral problems. India maintains that any talks with Pakistan will focus solely on cross-border terrorism, ruling out third-party mediation. (PC: Hindustan Times & The CSR Journal)

Air India has urged the Indian government to cancel IndiGo’s wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines, citing national security and economic concerns. Under this agreement, Turkish Airlines provides aircraft and crew for IndiGo's India-Istanbul routes. Air India argues that the deal disproportionately benefits Turkey, boosts its tourism, and may pose strategic risks due to Turkey’s political support for Pakistan. IndiGo defends the arrangement, saying it improves international connectivity and supports Indian employment. The lease is renewed every six months and is currently set to expire on May 31, 2025. (PC: The Economic Times)

On May 16, 2025, Russian and Ukrainian delegations convened in Istanbul for their first direct peace talks since 2022, aiming to end the ongoing conflict. Ukraine, represented by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, prioritized securing an "unconditional ceasefire." Russia's delegation, led by aide Vladimir Medinsky, viewed the talks as a continuation of previous negotiations. The absence of President Putin and attempts to exclude U.S. and Turkish officials raised concerns about Russia's commitment. Ukrainian diplomats accused Russia of stalling. Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities persisted, with Ukraine reporting explosions in Dnipro and the downing of 73 out of 112 Russian drones. An F-16 jet was lost due to a non-combat incident. (PC: The Guardian)

IIT Roorkee has withdrawn from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Turkish university, citing rising diplomatic sensitivities.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

In a significant escalation of anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, six terrorists, including three from Jaish-e-Mohammad, were killed in two encounters over 48 hours. Among the deceased was Shahid Kuttee, implicated in attacks on a German tourist and terror financing. The first operation occurred in Kelar's highlands on May 13, resulting in three militant deaths. The second unfolded in Tral, where terrorists had taken positions in civilian homes; security forces ensured civilian safety before neutralizing the threats. These operations follow the April Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, prompting India's strikes on terror infrastructures in Pakistan and PoK, and temporarily heightening Indo-Pak tensions. Authorities emphasize dismantling the terror ecosystem in the Valley.(PC: Deccan Herald & Rediff)

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)  

Adani Airport Holdings has terminated its ground handling concession agreements with Turkish firm Çelebi at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. This decision follows the Indian government's revocation of Çelebi's security clearance. Adani has directed Çelebi to immediately hand over all ground handling facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations. The company assures seamless service continuity through new ground handling agencies and states that all existing Çelebi employees at these airports will be transferred to the new agencies under their current employment terms. Adani emphasizes its commitment to maintaining high service standards and prioritizing national interest. (PC: The Telegraph)

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)