Diplomacy
President Donald Trump Welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States with an Unprecedented Reception at the Airport
US President Donald Trump personally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at the start of Xi’s visit to the United States. To mark the beginning of the three-day state visit, Xi was given a grand reception featuring a 100-foot (approximately 30-meter) red carpet, an honor guard, a military band, a ceremonial cannon salute and a flyover by two B-1 bombers.
From Delegation Walkouts and Heated Speeches to Gaza, Iran, Cuba and the International Order — What Happened on Day One of the 81st UN General Assembly
The first day of the high-level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22 unfolded amid diplomatic tensions, delegation walkouts and contrasting statements on Gaza, Iran, Cuba and the future of the international order. According to the United Nations, this year’s General Debate is being held from September 22 to 26 and on September 28. The theme of the session is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
Saudi Arabia Signs Defense Pact with Pakistan and Türkiye with Much Fanfare, Yet Turns to Israel for Help Against the Houthis
Recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia have raised new questions about the security equation in the Middle East. Just a month after Riyadh signed a joint defense agreement with Pakistan and Türkiye, the question of immediate military assistance to Saudi Arabia in the face of Houthi attacks remains unclear. Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post has reported that Saudi Arabia and Israel have discussed intelligence cooperation to counter the Houthis, with mediation by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
Chinese President Xi Jinping to Visit the United States on September 23- President Donald Trump May Personally Welcome Him at the Airport
U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly expected to personally welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on the runway at Joint Base Andrews when Xi arrives in Washington on September 23. The move is being viewed as an unusual departure from long-standing U.S. diplomatic protocol.
US Approves $24.3 Billion Military Aircraft Sale to Saudi Arabia, Including 48 F-35 Fighter Jets and 49 Pratt & Whitney Engines, Amid West Asia War
Amid the ongoing war in West Asia and the changing regional security situation, the United States has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. If the proposed deal is finalized, Saudi Arabia could become a new operator of the US-made fifth-generation F-35 fighter aircraft.
India to Continue Buying Russian Oil Amid US Sanctions and 100% Tariff Threat — ‘Energy Security of 1.4 Billion People Is the Top Priority’
India has said that ensuring the energy security of its 1.4 billion people remains New Delhi’s top priority, even after the US Congress passed a bill that could give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas.
In extremely turbulent times, President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi must stay together’ — Russian House Director Dr. Elena
Next year, India and Russia will mark 80 years of diplomatic relations. Highlighting the longstanding bilateral ties, Dr. Elena Remizova, Director of the Russian House, said that amid the current turbulent international situation, people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, education and business cooperation between India and Russia should be strengthened further alongside cooperation among BRICS members.
Iran will not hold talks with the United States until the conditions are met on Tehran’s national security secretary
Iran will not engage in any new talks with the United States until its conditions are met, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei has made clear. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, creating further uncertainty over the prospects for renewed diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Pakistan Stands by Saudi Arabia After Houthi Attacks, Shehbaz–Mohammed bin Salman Talks Focus on De-escalation and Regional Stability
Pakistan has expressed full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia following recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed Islamabad’s firm support for Saudi Arabia’s security during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, while also reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia.
Iran War Reshapes Global Agenda as 18th BRICS Summit Focuses on Regional and Global Peace
Against the backdrop of the Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and growing global economic uncertainty, the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit has opened in New Delhi, bringing together leaders and senior representatives from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
China, Iran, India, Russia and Other BRICS Nations: Balancing Power and Geopolitical Capabilities in a New Global Political and Economic Equation
Amid rapidly shifting geopolitical and economic equations, the 18th BRICS Summit is underway in New Delhi. Held on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam, the summit is bringing together major powers such as China, Russia, India and Iran, while also highlighting differences within the bloc over economic cooperation, de-dollarisation, reform of global governance institutions, energy security and the conflict in West Asia.
Iran Focuses on Strengthening Ties with BRICS Countries, Including India, to Address Economic Crisis Amid Rising US Sanctions
Amid growing economic pressure and sanctions from the United States, the Islamic Republic of Iran is focusing on strengthening relations and cooperation with BRICS member states, including India, to address its economic crisis.
Pakistan Warns the Islamic Republic of Iran to Rein in Yemen’s Houthis After Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following a series of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia. Amid the growing tensions, Pakistan has warned the Islamic Republic of Iran to use its influence to rein in the Houthis and halt their attacks on the kingdom. Reuters reported that Islamabad conveyed the message to Tehran on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hold Bilateral Meeting in Delhi on Saturday on Sidelines of BRICS Summit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Xi’s visit to India, his first in seven years, and the planned meeting are being closely watched as both countries seek to stabilise bilateral relations and maintain diplomatic engagement.
Houthi Drone and Missile Attacks on Saudi Arabia — Pakistan Remains Silent; Mecca Defence Pact Put to the Test
A series of drone and ballistic missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces targeting southern Saudi cities and critical energy facilities has once again brought the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye into focus. Coming just a month after the agreement was signed, the attacks are raising questions about the effectiveness of the alliance’s collective defence commitments.
Former PM Sheikh Hasina’s Son Joy’s European Tour Diplomatic Signals and Its Possible Impact on Bangladesh’s December Politics
Recent contacts across Europe by Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ex-ICT adviser, have reignited political debate across Bangladesh. The timing coincides with public statements from Sheikh Hasina signaling her intent to return to Bangladesh in December, generating renewed activism among Awami League loyalists.
European Countries Are Moving Gold Out of America Amid Rising Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, economic uncertainty and an environment of sanctions around the world, several European countries are reassessing where they should store their gold reserves. The Netherlands is the latest example, having moved part of its gold reserves held in North America to London.
Tehran Assures Swift and Comprehensive Cooperation to Further Expand Iran-India Trade and Financial Relations
Tehran has assured comprehensive cooperation to swiftly resolve legal and judicial complications faced by businesses as Iran and India seek to further expand their bilateral trade and financial relations. Iran’s Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei said the Iranian Judiciary is prepared to expedite the settlement of legal matters involving traders and economic entities engaged in joint business activities between the two countries and to simplify the relevant procedures.
‘The Russians Don’t Want Them There’ Security Concerns Cast Doubt on Trump Envoy Witkoff’s Visit to Kyiv
The planned visit of US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to Kyiv has come under uncertainty due to Russian objections, security risks and logistical challenges. The two were scheduled to travel to Moscow and Kyiv on September 5–6, but it remains unclear whether they will ultimately be able to visit the Ukrainian capital, according to The Kyiv Independent.
South Korea Reviews Deployment of Military and Civilian Assets to the Strait of Hormuz — Reuters
Amid rising tensions in West Asia, South Korea is reviewing options for both military and civilian contributions to help ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, the presidential office said no final decision has yet been made regarding a possible military deployment.