India’s global influence backed by diplomacy, defence and development: Report

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) warns that the global economy is shifting from globalization toward geo-economic fragmentation. • A full economic decoupling between Eastern and Western powers could result in a massive loss of up to $6.9 trillion from global GDP.

• The U.S. military presence in the Indian Ocean and along the maritime Silk Route is described as an "occupation" linked to its ongoing conflict with Iran. • This geopolitical tension has disrupted oil and gas supplies, causing energy costs to soar for emerging economies across South and Southeast Asia.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles to expand India's defense diplomacy and strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. • As part of the visit, India handed over the fast patrol vessel *Lespwar* ("hope"), along with ten utility vehicles, five laser-radial boats, and six ambulances.

• The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement to pause hostilities and strikes in West Asia to prevent further escalation. • U.S. envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with mediators in Doha, Qatar, though Qatari officials clarified that no direct talks between the U.S. and Iran are currently taking place.

• The United States is reportedly accelerating its withdrawal from European security commitments following a diplomatic rift regarding support for the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran. • An upcoming NATO summit in Turkey is expected to serve as a pivotal transition point for the alliance's structure and strategic direction.

• Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler stated that NATO is adapting to a changing security environment rather than facing a crisis. • Guler dismissed concerns regarding a U.S. exit from the alliance, asserting that Washington is seeking better burden-sharing from European allies rather than withdrawal.

• Internal power struggles within the Iranian regime have intensified as rival factions clash over the direction of the country's nuclear talks. • The conflict has escalated beyond foreign policy disagreements, evolving into a bitter battle for political influence at the highest levels of government.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a renewed global commitment to combat terrorism by addressing its root causes rather than relying solely on security measures. • Guterres warned that terrorist threats are evolving, emphasizing that a rights-based approach is essential to prevent radicalization and ensure long-term stability.

Diplomats in Sarajevo failed to agree on a candidate for the high representative role, which carries a lot of power and influence across the BalkansDiplomats from the US and Europe have been unable to resolve their differences and agree on a new top international envoy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in a standoff which has become a transatlantic test of wills over influence in the Balkans.A meeting in Sarajevo to select a new high representative, a post with far-reaching powers, ended without a compromise, in a spat that has undermined western cohesion in the region in the Trump era. Continue reading...

Hearing set to begin 6 July would mark the first time Kirk’s family has been in the courtroom with the suspectCharlie Kirk’s parents and his widow Erika Kirk are expected to attend a key hearing next week in Utah for the murder case against the man accused of slaying the conservative political activist, according to multiple news outlets.The preliminary hearing, set to begin 6 July, would mark the first time Kirk’s family has been in the courtroom with Tyler James Robinson, the 23-year-old charged with aggravated murder related to Kirk’s death. Continue reading...

Home Office assessment shows new limits on human rights route based on family ties could result in another 11,700 claims turned downMore than half of the people whose asylum and visa claims will be rejected under tightened human rights laws will continue to live in the UK, according to the Home Office’s own assessment.Documents released on Tuesday show that plans to set new limits on article 8 of the European convention on human rights are expected to result in another 11,700 people having their claims rejected. Continue reading...