Three Indian Sailors Killed in Attacks

India has adopted a strong diplomatic stance following a series of missile attacks by US military forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members off the coast of Oman. The issue escalated after three Indian sailors were killed in one of the strikes, prompting New Delhi to summon the United States’ Chargé d’Affaires, Jason Mix, for the second time in a week to register its protest.

According to sources, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the American diplomat on Friday and conveyed India’s deep concern over the attacks. He had previously been called to the ministry on Wednesday night for an explanation regarding the incidents.

Three Merchant Vessels Reportedly Targeted

The MEA stated that three commercial ships carrying Indian sailors have come under attack in recent days near the Oman coast.

On June 8, the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian crew members, was reportedly disabled during a US military operation. However, all crew members were safely rescued.

A second incident occurred on June 10 when the US Navy allegedly launched a missile strike on another vessel, Setebello. Of the 24 Indian sailors on board, three lost their lives in the attack.

Fresh Attack on MT Jalveer

In another reported incident on Thursday, the merchant vessel MT Jalveer came under attack when two missiles allegedly struck the ship’s engine room, causing extensive damage.

The vessel was carrying 20 Indian sailors at the time of the attack. Details regarding injuries or casualties aboard the ship have not yet been fully disclosed.

India Calls Attacks Unacceptable

MEA spokesperson Ranadhir Jaiswal condemned the attacks, stating that strikes on civilian commercial vessels are completely unacceptable.

He emphasized that the safety and security of Indian nationals working aboard international merchant ships remain a top priority for the Indian government. India has urged the United States to immediately halt such actions and ensure that civilian vessels are not targeted.

US Defends Military Action

According to the US administration, the targeted vessels were allegedly involved in transporting oil in violation of American sanctions imposed on Iran and Russia.

US Central Command reportedly carried out the operations as part of efforts to enforce sanctions and prevent unauthorized oil shipments.

However, India has expressed concern that such actions have directly endangered the lives of Indian citizens working on board the vessels.

Diplomatic Efforts Underway

The incidents have created a rare moment of tension in India-US diplomatic relations. New Delhi is continuing diplomatic engagement with Washington while seeking assurances regarding the safety of Indian sailors operating in international waters.

The Indian government is also pursuing dialogue and diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation and ensure adequate protection for Indian maritime personnel in the region.

Focus on Safety of Indian Seafarers

With thousands of Indian sailors employed on merchant vessels across the world, the latest incidents have raised serious concerns about maritime security in the region.

India has reiterated that the lives of civilian crew members must be protected under all circumstances and has called for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue rather than military action.

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BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Begins in New Delhi

The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting began in New Delhi on Thursday, bringing together top diplomats from member nations to discuss key global challenges, regional conflicts, and international cooperation.

The two-day meeting is being attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and foreign ministers from BRICS nations.

India Expresses Concern Over West Asia Conflict

During the meeting, Jaishankar voiced serious concern over the continuing tensions and instability in West Asia. Referring to the deteriorating situation since February 28, he stressed the urgent need for global attention and diplomatic engagement in the conflict-hit region.

He warned that prolonged tensions and the disruption around the Strait of Hormuz pose significant risks to maritime transport, global energy infrastructure, and international security.

According to Jaishankar, the current situation reflects a fragile and increasingly unstable security environment in the region.

India Reiterates Support for Two-State Solution

India reiterated its long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue.

Jaishankar stated that peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, and a balanced political solution that respects international law and protects civilian lives.

He emphasized that maintaining global peace cannot be selective and international humanitarian principles must be upheld everywhere.

Concern Over Instability in Multiple West Asian Nations

The External Affairs Minister highlighted ongoing instability in several countries including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, and Libya.

He said:

• Lebanon and Syria continue to face serious security challenges
• Sudan’s conflict has created severe humanitarian suffering
• Yemen remains affected by humanitarian crisis and maritime threats
• Libya’s political stability remains under risk

Jaishankar noted that these interconnected crises require sustained international cooperation and coordinated diplomatic efforts.

India Calls for Protection of Civilians and Infrastructure

Speaking at the meeting, Jaishankar stressed the importance of protecting civilians and avoiding attacks on public infrastructure.

He said international law must be respected and all parties should work toward reducing tensions rather than escalating conflict further.

“Peace cannot be fragmented and stability cannot be selective,” he remarked during his address.

India Ready to Support Peace and Stability Efforts

India also expressed readiness to contribute constructively toward de-escalation efforts and initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.

Jaishankar said India remains committed to supporting diplomatic solutions and international cooperation to address ongoing geopolitical and humanitarian crises.

The BRICS meeting is expected to further discuss global security concerns, economic cooperation, and multilateral coordination among member nations.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, giving a detailed statement on the ongoing crisis in West Asia. He described the situation as an unprecedented challenge for India and outlined measures being taken by the government to ensure stability in crucial sectors such as oil, gas, and fertilizer supply.

Government Measures to Ensure Energy and Resource Security

PM Modi highlighted that the government has formed a special ministerial group to closely monitor the situation. “Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the conflict, ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential resources like gas and fertilizer to farmers,” he stated. The government is also coordinating the logistics for transportation and storage of these supplies to avoid disruptions.

Safeguarding Indian Citizens Abroad

The Prime Minister noted that over 3.75 lakh Indians have returned safely to India since the conflict began, including more than 1,000 from Iran. Among them are 700 medical students, highlighting the government’s priority to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. He emphasized that humanitarian concerns remain a key consideration in India’s diplomatic approach.

Strengthening Domestic Energy Security

PM Modi announced steps to decentralize energy imports, increasing the number of source countries from 27 to 41. Indian oil companies are maintaining large reserves of petrol and diesel to safeguard domestic supply. “Even during crises, India will maintain rapid economic growth and ensure energy security for all citizens,” he said.

Support for Farmers and Migrant Workers

The Prime Minister acknowledged the hardships faced by farmers and migrant workers during the crisis. He called on state governments to provide immediate assistance and ensure uninterrupted access to essential commodities. He also urged prompt action against black-marketing and hoarding to protect vulnerable populations.

Vision for a Resilient and Self-Reliant India

PM Modi concluded by emphasizing India’s commitment to resilience and self-reliance. “No matter how severe the crisis, India’s rapid development and the welfare of its people remain our top priority. This is an opportunity for state governments to play a proactive role in safeguarding citizens and resources,” he said.

This article captures the key points of PM Modi’s Rajya Sabha statement, highlighting India’s strategic measures, citizen safety, and economic resilience amid the West Asia crisis.

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In his address to the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the adverse effects of the ongoing conflicts in West Asia, emphasizing the challenges faced by the population in the affected regions. He noted that the conflict has created unexpected challenges for India, both economically and humanely.

“The safety of Indians, both within the country and abroad, remains our highest priority,” the Prime Minister said. Since the onset of the conflict, more than 3.75 lakh Indians have been safely evacuated, including around 1,000 from Iran. Among them are over 700 young medical students and thousands of schoolchildren from the region.

Continuous Support and Education for Students

The government has also taken special measures to ensure uninterrupted education for Indian students affected by the conflict. CBSE has canceled the 10th and 12th standard examinations for all Indian schools in the affected areas, ensuring that students can continue their studies without disruption.

Ensuring Essential Supplies

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that West Asia plays a critical role in supplying crude oil, gas, and fertilizers globally. Despite disruptions in shipping and supply chains due to the conflict, the Indian government has worked to ensure that the domestic supply of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas remains largely unaffected.

Strengthening Energy Security

India has diversified its energy imports over the past decade, reducing dependence on a few countries. Currently, India imports energy from 41 nations and maintains strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 5.3 million metric tons, with plans to expand these reserves to over 6.5 million metric tons to mitigate future crises.

Agricultural Stability and Farmer Support

Addressing concerns about agriculture, the Prime Minister assured that India’s food grain stocks are sufficient. The government is committed to providing the necessary fertilizers and support to farmers to ensure uninterrupted crop production. Past measures during crises such as COVID-19 and global supply chain disruptions have ensured minimal impact on Indian farmers.

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A growing rift within NATO over Greenland is raising concerns about the future of the 75-year-old alliance and its impact on global geopolitics, including strategic implications for India. Tensions escalated after US President Donald Trump pushed European allies to cede control of Greenland, threatening tariffs on multiple countries.

Trump Pressures Allies Over Greenland

President Trump has demanded that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland yield control of Greenland to the US. He warned that tariffs of 10 per cent would begin on February 1 and rise to 25 per cent by June if his demands are not met.

Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, is strategically important in the Arctic, hosting key military bases dating back to the 1950s. Eight European nations have stationed troops in Greenland, underscoring the sensitivity of the region. Analysts describe this as the most serious crisis in NATO’s history.

Potential Trigger of NATO’s Article 5

Trump’s insistence on US control over Greenland is seen as an aggressive move that could trigger Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which mandates collective defense. Such a scenario could pit the US against its European allies and potentially destabilize the transatlantic security alliance.

Implications for India: Opportunities and Risks

A weakened or fractured NATO could have both strategic advantages and challenges for India:

• Opportunities:

  • Greater strategic freedom to strengthen ties with Russia for defense and energy cooperation.

  • Potential to enhance India’s influence in the Global South.

  • Strengthening multilateral initiatives such as BRICS and the Quad in Indo-Pacific politics.

• Risks:

  • Increased global instability and potential for new conflicts.

  • Aggressive expansion by China in global and regional spheres.

  • Economic impact on trade and investment due to European turmoil.

  • Indirect effects on emerging economies, including India.

Changing World Order

Diplomatic interventions are ongoing as NATO faces calls for unity amid intensifying standoffs. The Greenland dispute highlights a shift in the global order, where longstanding alliances are being questioned, and the balance of power is increasingly fluid. Analysts warn that the consequences could reshape both regional and global geopolitics, with far-reaching effects for countries like India.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit China for the first time in seven years as he attends the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from 31 August to 1 September. The visit carries high diplomatic weight, occurring at a time of heightened geopolitical turbulence and renewed calls for regional cooperation.

India’s Constructive Participation in SCO

By attending the summit, Modi signals India’s readiness to engage constructively with fellow member states. The SCO, which includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, serves as a crucial platform for dialogue in the Eurasian region. Discussions are expected to focus on security, trade, and coordinated efforts among members.

Bilateral Engagements with Key Leaders

During the summit, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with several global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. These talks may cover issues such as border security, economic cooperation, and regional stability. The summit also provides opportunities to explore collaboration in counterterrorism, connectivity, and trade partnerships.

Strategic Balancing Amid Global Tensions

The visit holds particular significance against the backdrop of recent border challenges and shifting global coalitions. Modi’s presence underscores India’s strategy of balancing national interest with multilateral engagement, asserting sovereignty while actively shaping global discourse.

Focus on Global Conflicts and Asian Security

The SCO deliberations are also likely to address Russia-Ukraine tensions, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and their broader impact on Asian security architecture. India is expected to emphasize the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, regional stability, and stronger cooperation among member states.

Possible Reset in India-China Relations

Observers view Modi’s China visit as a potential step toward recalibrating India-China relations. After years of strained ties, this diplomatic outreach could reaffirm India’s role in Eurasia while showcasing its commitment to constructive engagement at the international stage.

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India has once again reiterated its firm opposition to third-party mediation in the Kashmir issue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying the country’s position in a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. The 35-minute call, held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, followed recent speculation surrounding U.S. involvement in facilitating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

The call was initiated by President Trump, days after his administration claimed credit for easing tensions in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor — a counter-terror offensive launched by India following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including tourists.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified on Wednesday that the ceasefire was the result of direct military-to-military engagement between India and Pakistan, and not brokered by the U.S. “India has never accepted, does not accept, and will not accept any form of third-party mediation in matters related to Pakistan, particularly on Kashmir,” Misri said, quoting Prime Minister Modi.

Modi reportedly briefed Trump on India’s targeted military strategy during Operation Sindoor, stressing that Indian forces only struck terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Prime Minister also dismissed speculation that the U.S. had linked a ceasefire deal to trade negotiations, asserting, “There was no trade deal angle.”

President Trump, in response, extended support to India in its ongoing fight against terrorism. He had originally planned a face-to-face meeting with Modi at the G7 Summit, but rising tensions in the Middle East prompted his early departure, converting the planned interaction into a telephonic discussion.

The U.S. President invited Modi for an official visit to Washington, which the Indian Prime Minister declined, citing prior commitments. However, Modi extended an invitation to Trump to attend the upcoming Quad Summit in New Delhi — an invitation Trump accepted.

This high-level exchange underscores India’s long-standing position that the Kashmir conflict is a bilateral issue with Pakistan. While Pakistan has remained open to international mediation, India continues to reject such proposals, viewing them as attempts to internationalise the issue.

Analysts suggest that repeated mediation offers, particularly from the U.S., are likely to be seen by New Delhi as intrusive and counterproductive. India’s firm stance signals a continued preference for direct engagement with Pakistan and a cautious approach to international diplomacy in the region.

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PM Modi Honoured with Cyprus’ Grand Cross

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’ highest civilian award, drawing renewed attention to Archbishop Makarios Marg in Delhi. This central Delhi road, near Lodhi Road, is named in honour of Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus and a key figure in the country’s independence movement.

A Street Named After a Freedom Fighter and Diplomatic Ally

Archbishop Makarios III served as both the Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus (1950–1977) and President of Cyprus (1960–1977). The road in Delhi was renamed in his honour during the early 1980s, following the 1983 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in New Delhi. As India hosted world leaders like Fidel Castro and Yasser Arafat, the government commemorated NAM icons by naming roads after them — including Makarios, Josip Broz Tito, and Gamal Abdel Nasser.

Makarios’ Ties With India and the NAM Vision

Makarios was a leading voice against colonialism and played a central role in securing Cyprus’ independence from British rule. His strong ties with India, especially with Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, made him a prominent figure in India’s diplomatic memory. Historian Mani Shankar Aiyar remarked that Makarios’ diplomatic positioning, especially amid Greek and Turkish claims over Cyprus, aligned him with NAM’s ideals, making a road renaming an “adequate evolution.”

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalled that Makarios visited India in 1962 and stayed as Nehru’s guest for two weeks. After Nehru’s death in 1964, Cyprus declared a national day of mourning — highlighting the depth of bilateral relations.

Diplomatic Symbolism: Delhi and Nicosia Exchange Tributes

The Indo-Cypriot bond is symbolically reflected in both capitals: while Delhi houses Archbishop Makarios Marg, Cyprus’ capital Nicosia features Indira Gandhi Avenue — representing mutual respect and recognition of shared values.

Modi Dedicates Honour to India-Cyprus Friendship

While accepting the award, PM Modi dedicated the honour to the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus, and the NAM legacy of sovereignty, non-alignment, and decolonisation. Archbishop Makarios Marg today stands not only as a road but as a testament to a long-standing diplomatic relationship rooted in shared struggles and common principles.

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Bhubaneswar, June 5, 2025: Following India’s bold military action under Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has signalled interest in engaging in dialogue with India, but without showing what he called “any sign of desperation.”

India’s Operation Sindoor and Retaliation

India launched Operation Sindoor from May 7 to May 10, 2025, as a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan-backed groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attack.

In retaliation, Indian forces used jets, drones, and missiles to hit nine terror hubs, including Muzaffarabad, Muridke, and Bahawalpur in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The situation escalated further when Pakistan responded on May 10 with drone and missile attacks on Indian military and civilian targets.

India hit back by targeting nine radar and military installations. A ceasefire was reached on the same day, ending the region’s most intense hostilities in years.

Pakistan Opens to Talks, But India Stays Firm

At a press conference in Islamabad on June 4, Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan’s willingness to hold talks with India, including on the Indus Waters Treaty, which India had suspended after the Pahalgam attack.

However, Dar clarified, “We are not under pressure. We’re open to dialogue on all issues but will not beg for it. Talks require two willing parties.” He criticized India for refusing to engage on what he termed “serious concerns” like water disputes.

India has maintained a tough stance, stating it will only discuss two issues — terrorism and the return of PoK. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated this policy recently, aligning with India’s long-standing position.

India Denies Strikes on Civilian Targets

Responding to Pakistan’s claims of Indian strikes on cities like Attock and Peshawar, Indian officials dismissed the accusations, insisting that only terror-linked sites were targeted.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, reaffirmed that Indian strikes were focused solely on terror infrastructure, not civilians.

Mixed Global and Domestic Reactions

Internationally, reactions have been cautious. Indian diplomat Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment over initial Colombian support for Pakistan but confirmed that Bogotá withdrew its stance after India presented evidence of Pakistan’s terror links.

Social media in Pakistan has seen growing public support for talks, citing economic concerns and the Prime Minister’s repeated calls for peace. However, Indian public and political sentiment remains unmoved, demanding accountability for cross-border terrorism and clarity on PoK.

Can Talks Move Forward?

Pakistan’s fresh offer of dialogue appears aimed at reducing regional pressure and regaining diplomatic footing after Operation Sindoor. But with India’s non-negotiable stance on terrorism and PoK, the path to productive dialogue remains uncertain.

The next few months could be critical for South Asia’s geopolitical future, as both nations assess whether diplomacy or deadlock will shape their ties.

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