In the midst of escalating India-Pakistan tensions, US Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to India earlier this week may have seemed like a minor event, but it reinforced the evolving dynamics of the India-US relationship. While the visit itself was largely private, its significance was highlighted through public engagements that showcased the dual approach of top-down diplomacy and grassroots people-to-people interactions. However, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam underscored the reality that the US continues to play a key role in influencing the course of India-Pakistan relations.
America's Stance on Pakistan: The timing of the Kashmir attack during Vance’s visit was no accident. Pakistan, seeking to maintain relevance on the global stage despite its diminishing influence, aimed to remind Washington of Kashmir’s importance. Despite Pakistan’s protests over India’s 2019 revocation of Article 370, the international community, including the US, largely disregarded these concerns. Under the Biden administration, US policy has focused on fostering deeper ties with India, partly driven by the shifting global power landscape. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan and Pakistan’s growing alliance with China have resulted in a policy shift, offering humanitarian and economic support to Pakistan but avoiding significant military engagement.
Washington's Distance from the India-Pakistan Dispute: For some time, Washington has refrained from involving itself in the India-Pakistan conflict. The Trump administration, in particular, pulled back from global commitments, focusing instead on national priorities. In 2019, President Trump had offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute at India’s request, a claim that India firmly denied. Since then, Kashmir has rarely been discussed in US-India dialogues. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington earlier this year, the joint statement called on Pakistan to take strong action against terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, urging the country to bring justice to those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot attacks. Pakistan’s response was one of defiance, labeling the joint statement as "misleading and contrary to diplomatic norms."
Pakistan’s Global Isolation: Pakistan’s diminishing influence in global strategy is a result of both its internal struggles and India’s successful international campaign to label it a state sponsor of terrorism. With a faltering economy, widespread social unrest, and increasing regional instability, Pakistan’s international partnerships are shrinking. Even China seems less inclined to support Pakistan, recognizing the latter’s economic troubles. The recent terror attacks in India can be seen as an attempt by Pakistan to capture Washington’s attention.
Vance, during his speech in India, emphasized the transformative potential of an India-US partnership, suggesting that if the two countries succeed in their collaboration, the 21st century could be marked by prosperity and peace. He praised Prime Minister Modi, signaling the US’s strategic partnership with India. This contrasted with his other speeches, where he had been critical of European leaders and others, including Zelensky. The terror attacks serve as a reminder of Pakistan’s continued reliance on desperate measures to provoke attention, but increasingly, such actions are leading to backlash against Pakistan. s the US deepens its engagement with India, the inability of Pakistan’s military-industrial complex to grasp this shift will likely lead to repeated mistakes. The future of India-Pakistan relations appears to be influenced less by Pakistan’s actions and more by the evolving nature of the US-India partnership.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
Veteran social activist Medha Patkar was arrested by Delhi Police on Friday for not submitting probation bonds in a 24-year-old defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. The arrest came after a Delhi court issued a non-bailable warrant on Wednesday due to Patkar’s repeated absence and failure to follow court orders, including submitting a ₹1 lakh fine. The case dates back to 2000, when Saxena, then head of the Gujarat-based NGO National Council of Civil Liberties, accused Patkar of defaming him in a press release from November 24, 2000.
Earlier this month, the court convicted Patkar and granted her probation, conditional on good behavior and a fine. However, her failure to appear and comply led the judge to consider revisiting the sentence. Saxena’s lawyer claimed Patkar was intentionally dodging legal obligations, while the court criticized her plea to delay proceedings as "mischievous and frivolous." The defamation case involves Patkar allegedly calling Saxena a “coward” and accusing him of hawala links and betrayal of Gujarat’s interests. A magistrate ruled last year that her statements were defamatory and aimed at damaging Saxena’s reputation.
Medha Patkar is widely known for leading the Narmada Bachao Andolan, opposing large infrastructure projects like the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which she argues displace tribal communities and harm the environment. Her activism has included peaceful protests, hunger strikes, and multiple arrests over the years.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Wikimedia commons.
Following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, which triggered widespread public outrage and calls for a boycott, songs from the upcoming film Abir Gulaal, featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, have been taken down from YouTube. The tracks, titled “Khudaaya Ishq” and “Angrezi Rangrasiya,” were removed in response to mounting criticism over the involvement of both Indian and Pakistani artists in the project.
Released earlier this month, the songs were deleted from the official YouTube channel of A Richer Lens Entertainment and Saregama’s platform by April 25. This move came amid growing backlash on social media, where many voiced anger over the cross-border collaboration. Earlier in the week, the filmmakers had announced a new song, “Tain Tain,” but it has not yet been released online. In response to the attack, India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reportedly banned the release of Abir Gulaal, which was originally scheduled to hit theatres on May 9. The film, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, also stars Lisa Haydon, Riddhi Dogra, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, and Parmeet Sethi.
Following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district — which claimed 26 lives and injured many more — actors Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor expressed their grief on social media. Fawad called the attack “heinous” and extended prayers for the victims’ families, while Vaani described feeling “numb” and “devastated” by the tragedy.
In the aftermath, India responded with strict measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, revocation of SAARC Visa Exemptions, cancellation of Pakistani visas, and a ban on Pakistan’s official X account within India. Pakistani citizens in India were also asked to leave within 48 hours. Pakistan condemned India’s actions, labeling the water treaty vital for its 240 million citizens. In retaliation, Pakistan halted all trade with India and warned of suspending the 1971 Simla Agreement — a key diplomatic framework between the two nations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
A tragic plane crash in Thailand claimed the lives of six police officers after a small aircraft plunged into the sea near Hua Hin, a popular beach town. The Royal Thai Police confirmed that the aircraft was on a test flight preparing for upcoming parachute training when it crashed at around 8 a.m. in Hua Hin district. Spokesperson Archayon Kraithong stated that all six individuals on board were members of the police force. Five officers died at the crash site, while the sixth succumbed to injuries later at a hospital. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, and an investigation is underway.
Though the specific model of the aircraft has not been officially confirmed, photos from the scene suggest it was a Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter, a twin-engine propeller plane often used in military and training operations. The crash site was located near Hua Hin Airport in Prachuab Kiri Khan province, with wreckage spotted roughly 100 meters from the shore. Images show the aircraft partially submerged in the sea, broken into two large sections, indicating a severe impact. Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene to recover the victims and begin an initial assessment.
Authorities are now working to gather evidence, including data from the aircraft's black box, which may provide insight into what led to the crash. Archayon noted that safety procedures will be reviewed following the incident, and all relevant information will be shared as the investigation progresses. This incident has drawn national attention, especially given the high-profile nature of the location and the personnel involved. Further updates are expected once investigators analyze the flight data and other physical evidence from the crash site.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. on Tehran's nuclear program will resume in Oman on Saturday, focusing on technical details of a potential deal. The talks aim to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for easing economic sanctions. Meanwhile, Iran has secured support from China and Russia, while the U.S. demands Iran halt all uranium enrichment. Tensions remain high with Israel’s ongoing military operations and threats against Iran’s nuclear program. The outcome of these talks could shape future diplomatic relations and nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
The U.S. Department of Justice denies firing former pardon attorney Liz Oyer for refusing to recommend the restoration of Mel Gibson’s gun rights. However, Oyer shares a different account with Jonathan Freedland, suggesting it reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to undermine the rule of law in America.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Hartley Muze is a true-blue Singaporean, though he occasionally faces questions that many of his fellow citizens don't encounter. His parents migrated from Tanzania in 1990 and later became Singaporean citizens. Born and raised in Singapore, Hartley experienced all the milestones typical of Singaporean men. Notably, he became the first person of African descent in the country to qualify for the prestigious Naval Diving Unit during his national service. Through his unique journey, Hartley has come to appreciate the importance of cultural adaptability, patience, humor, and the strength of Singapore’s multicultural society.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
China has cautioned that it will retaliate against countries that align with the U.S. in ways that undermine Beijing's interests, as the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies risks involving other nations. President Donald Trump has slapped tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports, prompting China to respond with its own tariffs of up to 125% on U.S. goods. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore China's potential strategies amid the ongoing trade tensions, joined by Louise Loo, Lead Economist for China at Oxford Economics.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
Pope Francis worked until his final days. On Easter Sunday, he greeted crowds in St. Peter's Square before passing away the following morning after battling pneumonia and bronchitis. As the first Latin American pope, he sought to bring change, symbolized by his act of washing prisoners’ feet. Though he made strides in addressing issues like LGBTQ+ rights, some felt he didn’t go far enough. As the church prepares for a successor, many Catholics view the church as more compassionate due to his transformative papacy.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
