Iranian Shahed Drone Supply to Russia Hits 54,538 in 2025; War in Iran Threatens Supply Chain for Ukraine Conflict

India's Peace Push in Russia-Ukraine War: Jaishankar Meets Putin, BRICS Summit Key

India has intensified diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, with EAM Jaishankar and PM Modi engaging both Moscow and Kyiv. The US is also pushing for a deal via CIA Director Ratcliffe's secret trip. India should use the upcoming BRICS summit to push for confidence-building measures like protecting energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe Holds Talks with Russian Intelligence in Moscow Amid Ukraine War

US CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow for rare talks with Russian intelligence officials amid the Ukraine war and stalled Iran peace efforts. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting but stated it is too early to improve the dire state of US-Russia relations. This backchannel contact is significant for understanding diplomatic crisis management and intelligence liaison in global security dynamics.

Kerch Strait Tensions Risk Global Food Crisis as Russia-Ukraine Supply 25% of Wheat

The escalation of strikes on Black Sea ports, Kerch Strait, and Sea of Azov threatens to disrupt grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, reviving global food crisis fears similar to March 2022. With both countries accounting for over a quarter of world wheat exports and 60% of sunflower oil, the paralysis of maritime trade could spill over into food supply shortages, especially when compounded by West Asia war and extreme weather events.

India-Russia FM Talks: Bilateral Cooperation, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iran Discussed Ahead of BRICS Summit 2026

India and Russia reaffirm bilateral cooperation and discuss global hotspots (Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iran) ahead of the BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi. The visit lays groundwork for Putin's expected visit and highlights India's balancing act in global diplomacy.

PM Modi at SCO Summit: West Asia Crisis Threatens Global Energy, Trade, Supply Chains

PM Modi at the SCO Summit in Bishkek warned that the West Asia crisis (US-Israeli attacks on Iran) shows regional conflicts have global repercussions on energy, trade, and supply chains, disproportionately affecting the Global South. He emphasized dialogue and diplomacy over war, and called for unified action against terrorism without double standards. The summit also addressed connectivity, people-to-people ties, and India's SCO vision.

UN Mission: US Committed War Crimes in Iran Under Geneva Conventions

A UN fact-finding mission has reported reasonable grounds that the US committed war crimes in Iran by attacking civilian sites, invoking the Geneva Conventions. This is a significant international legal development with major implications for international humanitarian law (IHL) and the accountability of powerful nations.

Carpathian Eight Summit in Ukraine: Russia Hybrid Threats, Putin Warning on Ship Seizures

Ukraine hosts the inaugural 'Carpathian Eight' summit to deepen regional cooperation as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 4.5th year and US-mediated peace efforts stall. Concurrently, Russia ramps up hybrid threats (sabotage, cyberattacks, drones) against European nations, and Putin warns of retaliation for the seizure of Russian commercial vessels. This summit is a key indicator of the evolving geopolitical realignment and security architecture in Eastern Europe.

US Russia Sanctions Act: 100% Tariff on Russian Oil Imports Threatens India's Exports

The U.S. has enacted a law allowing up to 100% tariffs on countries like India that import Russian oil, a significant escalation from previous executive orders. This poses a direct threat to India's export competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs, and forces a strategic policy choice between diversifying energy sources or facing economic consequences.