Amid rising tensions in West Asia, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has condemned recent missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Following an emergency meeting on Friday, Security Council members expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Yemen and warned that continued escalation could threaten regional stability and international peace and security.

Saudi Arabia Missile Attacks

The UNSC said Houthi forces had launched missile attacks against Saudi Arabia since July 13. The Council also condemned attacks on commercial vessels since July 22.

Members of the Security Council urged the Houthis to avoid further escalation and called for existing dialogue channels to be used to address concerns and reduce tensions.

The attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea have raised fresh concerns over maritime security and international trade. The waterway is a major route for global shipping, and prolonged instability could disrupt regional as well as international commerce.

Support for Yemen’s Sovereignty

The Security Council reaffirmed its strong commitment to Yemen's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.

The Council stressed that Yemen's sovereignty over its territory and airspace must be respected. It also called on all parties to comply with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The statement comes amid growing concerns over military activity and competing claims of authority in Yemen.

Concern Over Airport Landings

The UNSC also condemned what it described as unauthorised aircraft landings at Yemeni airports.

According to the Council, aircraft landed at Sana'a International Airport on July 3 and Hudaydah Airport on July 13without permission or clearance from the Yemeni government.

The Security Council said such landings violated international civil aviation rules.

It emphasised that flights operating to Yemeni airports should be coordinated with the Yemeni government and receive prior authorisation.

Focus on Humanitarian Access

The Council also highlighted the need for safe, secure and sustainable air access to Yemen for humanitarian and civilian purposes.

It said humanitarian and civilian flights should be coordinated with the Yemeni government and conducted in accordance with international law and applicable civil aviation regulations.

The UNSC stressed that efforts to address Yemen's security crisis should also take into account the needs of civilians and humanitarian organisations.

Reference to Resolution 2216

The Security Council reminded all parties of their obligations under international law and relevant UN resolutions, including Resolution 2216, adopted in 2015.

The resolution includes restrictions on the supply, sale or transfer of arms and related military assistance to individuals and entities designated by the Security Council's 2140 Sanctions Committee, including the Houthis.

The Council urged all sides to comply with the existing sanctions framework and avoid actions that could further destabilise Yemen.

UN Peace Efforts

The UNSC also reiterated its support for UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and his efforts to find a political solution to the conflict.

The Council backed a negotiated, inclusive and Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement, based on agreed references and relevant Security Council resolutions.

The latest developments have heightened concerns over regional security and freedom of navigation, particularly around the Red Sea.

The Security Council urged restraint and called on the Houthis and other concerned parties to avoid further escalation and use dialogue to resolve outstanding issues.

The Council warned that continued military escalation could undermine ongoing peace efforts in Yemen and create wider security risks across the region.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he plans to travel to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant and opposition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has argued that Netanyahu should be arrested if he visits the city.

Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said he intends to present Israel's position before the UN and reaffirm the strength of the Israel-US alliance.

"I intend to come and speak the truth—speak for Israel and for the Israeli-American alliance from the podium of the United Nations," Netanyahu said.

ICC Warrant and Political Row

The proposed visit comes amid continuing international attention over the ICC warrant against Netanyahu. While the court's warrant has sparked diplomatic debate, US President Donald Trump recently stated that Netanyahu would not face arrest during any visit to the United States, dismissing concerns over possible legal action.

The issue has also intensified political tensions in New York after Mayor Zohran Mamdani suggested that legal options regarding Netanyahu's visit were still under consideration.

Netanyahu Targets Mamdani

During the interview, Netanyahu criticised Mamdani, accusing him of creating divisions within New York's communities.

"He’s fomenting hate. He’s supposed to be the mayor of all New Yorkers—Jews, Christians, Muslims, everyone," Netanyahu said, adding that many Jewish Americans had expressed concerns about the current political climate.

Survey Reflects Divided Opinion

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey conducted in June found mixed views among Jewish Americans regarding Mamdani. Around 44% viewed him favourably, while 39% held an unfavourable opinion.

The same survey also indicated that Netanyahu's popularity among Jewish Americans remains divided, with nearly 60% expressing an unfavourable opinion, while roughly one-third viewed him positively.

Netanyahu's proposed UN visit is expected to draw international attention as diplomatic, legal and political debates surrounding the ICC warrant continue.

 Two mosques in the occupied West Bank were set on fire on Sunday in separate attacks allegedly carried out by Israeli settlers, according to Palestinian officials and local residents, in the latest escalation of violence in the region.

The attacks took place in the villages of Qusra and Kour in the northern West Bank. Palestinian authorities said settlers also attempted to torch a third mosque near Kour, but local residents intervened and prevented the attack.

Graffiti reading "Jewish Revenge" was reportedly spray-painted on the walls of the damaged mosques, adding to tensions already heightened by recent clashes in the occupied territory.

Violence Follows Deadly Confrontation

The incidents came two days after a deadly confrontation in the West Bank left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead, following clashes that reportedly began when armed settlers entered the Palestinian village of Tal.

In response to the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an intensified security operation across the West Bank, deploying additional troops, establishing new checkpoints and authorising a broader crackdown in the area.

Growing Concern Over Settler Attacks

The latest attacks are part of a continuing wave of violence involving Israeli settlers and Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 1,000 settler-related incidents causing casualties or property damage were recorded between January and June 2026, the highest number documented during a comparable period.

The UN said the attacks affected more than 230 Palestinian communities and displaced over 2,200 people, describing 2026 as the worst year on record for settler violence in the occupied territory.

International Scrutiny Intensifies

Israeli settlements in the West Bank are regarded as illegal under international law by most countries and the United Nations, although Israel disputes that interpretation.

Critics have accused Israel's current government of encouraging settlement expansion and failing to curb violence by extremist settlers, allegations the Israeli government has consistently rejected.

The latest attacks are expected to draw renewed international attention as tensions continue to rise across the occupied West Bank amid the broader Israel-Palestinian conflict.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially launched its 2027 Calendar Photography Competition, inviting photographers worldwide to submit original images under the theme "Your Weather, Your World." The annual competition aims to showcase how weather, climate and water influence everyday life through compelling visual storytelling.

The competition is open to participants of all ages and nationalities, except employees of the WMO Secretariat. Photographers may submit up to three original photographs, with only one image per entrant eligible for selection.

According to WMO, the winning photographs will be featured in the printed WMO 2027 Calendar and promoted through the organisation's website, social media platforms, public outreach campaigns and World Meteorological Day 2027 celebrations. Selected images may also be shared with other United Nations agencies. While there is no cash prize, winners will receive international recognition and full credit for their work.

Entries will be evaluated based on how effectively they represent the competition theme, along with technical quality, composition, visual impact and creativity. A shortlist will be displayed on WMO's Facebook and Flickr platforms for public voting before the final selection is made by a WMO jury.

Photographs must be submitted in landscape format, with a minimum resolution of 4000 × 3000 pixels, in JPEG or TIFF format. Each entry must include a title, location and date of capture. Images created or manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) will be automatically disqualified.

The submission deadline is August 16, 2026, while the results are expected to be announced in September 2026. Entries, along with the completed official entry form, must be emailed to calendar@wmo.int.

WMO has also clarified that only original, unpublished photographs are eligible. Images that have previously won awards or appeared in commercial or editorial publications cannot be entered, although photographs shared on personal websites or social media accounts remain eligible.

India has delivered a sharp response to Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), asserting that continued cross-border terrorism has fundamentally eroded the trust required for cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). New Delhi also firmly rejected Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating its long-standing position that the Union Territory is an inseparable part of India.

Speaking during the UNSC High-Level Open Debate on "Natural Resources Governance: the Foundation of Peace, Security and Prosperity", India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, accused Pakistan of misusing the international platform to promote what he described as a false narrative on bilateral issues.

Addressing the Indus Waters Treaty, the Indian envoy said the agreement was built on mutual trust and goodwill, conditions that, according to India, cannot exist while cross-border terrorism continues to be used as an instrument of state policy.

"Our position on the Indus Waters Treaty remains clear and consistent. Cooperation based on mutual trust and goodwill cannot be expected when cross-border terrorism is regularly deployed as an instrument of State policy," the ambassador said during the debate.

India also used the opportunity to reiterate its position on Jammu and Kashmir, dismissing Pakistan's claims over the region. Ambassador Parvathaneni stated that Jammu and Kashmir "has always been, is, and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India."

He further asserted that the only unresolved issue relating to Jammu and Kashmir concerns what India describes as Pakistan's illegal occupation of parts of Indian territory.

The diplomatic exchange comes months after India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. After the attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) announced that the six-decade-old treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan takes what India describes as credible and irreversible steps to end support for cross-border terrorism.

According to government sources, New Delhi believes the circumstances under which the treaty was signed in 1960 have changed significantly due to persistent security concerns, changing developmental priorities, population growth and climate-related challenges.

India has also accused Pakistan of bypassing the treaty's dispute resolution framework. Officials said the agreement provides for a sequential process beginning with bilateral discussions, followed by reference to a Neutral Expert and, only if necessary, a Court of Arbitration. However, India maintains that Pakistan directly approached the Court of Arbitration, making those proceedings unacceptable from New Delhi's perspective.

Government sources further alleged that Pakistan has repeatedly objected to Indian hydropower projects on the eastern rivers despite those projects falling within India's rights under the treaty. At the same time, officials argued that Pakistan has not adequately developed its own water storage and river management infrastructure.

Officials also disclosed that India formally approached Pakistan in 2023 seeking discussions on modernising the treaty to reflect present-day realities, including advances in engineering, climate change, increasing water demand and population growth. According to the government, those proposals did not lead to meaningful progress.

Meanwhile, India is preparing to accelerate several strategic hydropower projects in the Chenab river basin to utilise the water resources allocated to it under the treaty framework. Key projects include the 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project, 1,000 MW Pakal Dul Project, 850 MW Ratle Project, 624 MW Kiru Project, and the 540 MW Kwar Project.

The government also plans to undertake sediment flushing and reservoir management at the Salal and Baglihar hydroelectric projects to improve storage capacity, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen dam safety.

India's latest remarks at the United Nations underline the widening diplomatic divide between New Delhi and Islamabad over terrorism, water-sharing arrangements and Jammu and Kashmir. With the Indus Waters Treaty remaining in abeyance, future engagement on the agreement is expected to depend on broader political and security developments between the two neighbouring countries.

The internship is designed to provide young professionals with practical exposure to WHO’s technical and administrative work while helping them build careers in global public health. Selected interns will receive a living allowance (stipend) along with medical and accident insurance during the internship period.

What is the WHO Internship Programme?

The WHO Internship Programme allows students and recent graduates to work alongside international experts on global health initiatives. It aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience by involving interns in WHO's technical, research, policy, and administrative activities.

The programme also seeks to develop the next generation of leaders in global public health while benefiting from the fresh ideas and perspectives that young professionals bring.

Who Can Apply?

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be at least 20 years old.
• Must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a recognized university in fields such as:
  • Public Health
  • Medicine
  • Social Sciences
  • Management
  • Administration
  • Communications
  • Other health-related disciplines
• Recent graduates must have completed their degree within the last 18 months.
• Students should have completed at least three years of full-time study before the internship begins.
• Must have a good command of English (knowledge of another WHO official language is an advantage).
• Must possess a valid passport.
• Applicants who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme are not eligible to apply again.

Benefits of the Internship

Selected candidates will receive several benefits, including:

• Living allowance (stipend) to help cover daily expenses.
• Medical and accident insurance throughout the internship.
• Opportunity to work with global health experts and professionals from around the world.
• Exposure to international public health projects and policymaking.
• A valuable addition to the candidate's CV, enhancing future career prospects in international organizations, research institutions, NGOs, and public health agencies.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official WHO Careers Portal by following these steps:

1. Visit the WHO Careers website.
2. Search for available Internship Position Vacancy Notices.
3. Create an online profile and complete the application form.
4. Upload your CV and educational details when required.
5. Submit the application before the deadline mentioned in the vacancy notice.

WHO has clarified that applicants are not required to submit supporting documents at the initial stage unless specifically requested during the selection process.

Why This Opportunity Matters for Indian Students

For Indian students aspiring to build careers with the United Nations, international organizations, or the global healthcare sector, the WHO Internship Programme offers invaluable international exposure. Working at WHO provides practical experience in public health policy, research, and global healthcare initiatives while opening doors to future opportunities in international institutions.

World Population Day 2026: History, Purpose and Significance

World Population Day is observed every year on 11 July to raise awareness about global population issues and their impact on sustainable development. The day highlights the importance of family planning, reproductive health, maternal and child healthcare, gender equality, and responsible population growth.

World Population Day was established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Governing Council in 1989. The idea was inspired by the milestone reached on 11 July 1987, when the world's population crossed five billion, a day widely recognized as the "Day of Five Billion."

Since then, the annual observance has encouraged governments, organizations, and communities worldwide to address population-related challenges and promote sustainable development.

World Population Day aims to:

• Raise awareness about the challenges associated with rapid population growth.

• Promote family planning and access to reproductive healthcare services.

• Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

• Empower women and girls by ensuring equal rights and opportunities.

• Encourage balanced use of natural resources in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Population growth has a direct impact on natural resources, healthcare, education, employment, housing, food security, and the environment. Managing population growth through informed choices and improved healthcare systems is essential for ensuring sustainable economic and social development.

World Population Day serves as an opportunity for governments, healthcare professionals, and civil society organizations to educate people about responsible parenthood, reproductive rights, and population management.

The United Nations has not yet announced the official theme for World Population Day 2026. Once released, the theme will guide awareness campaigns, discussions, and events organized across the world.

As one of the world's most populous countries, India faces both opportunities and challenges arising from its large population. Ensuring access to quality healthcare, education, family planning services, women's empowerment, and sustainable resource management remains crucial for the country's long-term development.

Government initiatives aimed at improving maternal health, promoting reproductive awareness, and expanding healthcare access continue to play an important role in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.

"A balanced population is the foundation of a healthy society and a sustainable future."

 Governments, international organisations and development agencies across the world are observing World Rural Development Day on Monday with a series of programmes aimed at promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty and improving the quality of life in rural communities.

The annual observance underscores the importance of rural development in achieving global development goals, particularly as millions of people continue to depend on agriculture and rural livelihoods for their income and well-being. Various awareness campaigns, policy discussions, community outreach programmes and capacity-building initiatives are being organised to address challenges such as poverty, food security, education, healthcare and access to basic infrastructure.

This year's observance places special emphasis on inclusive economic growth, sustainable agriculture, digital connectivity, climate resilience and employment generation in rural areas. Experts say strengthening rural economies is essential for reducing regional disparities and ensuring balanced national development.

International organisations have reiterated that investments in rural infrastructure, modern farming practices, clean energy, education and healthcare remain critical for improving living standards and creating long-term economic opportunities. Programmes focusing on women’s empowerment, youth entrepreneurship and financial inclusion are also being highlighted as key drivers of rural transformation.

Several countries are showcasing successful rural development projects, including initiatives promoting sustainable farming, renewable energy adoption, digital public services and improved market access for farmers and small businesses.

Development experts note that rural communities continue to face challenges such as limited employment opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, climate-related risks and unequal access to technology. They stress that stronger public investment, innovation and community participation will be vital to achieving sustainable rural growth.

The observance also aligns with the broader objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to ending poverty, eliminating hunger, promoting decent work, reducing inequalities and building sustainable communities.

As countries work toward inclusive and resilient economic development, World Rural Development Day serves as a reminder of the crucial role rural communities play in ensuring food security, environmental sustainability and long-term global prosperity.

 The United Nations is set to convene the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva on July 6 and 7, bringing together governments, international organisations, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to shape a more inclusive global framework for artificial intelligence (AI) governance.

Established by the UN General Assembly under the Global Digital Compact, the Dialogue is designed to serve as the United Nations' primary platform for international cooperation on AI governance. The initiative aims to ensure that every country—regardless of its level of technological advancement—has an opportunity to participate in discussions on the future of artificial intelligence.

The two-day meeting will focus on balancing AI's transformative potential with the challenges it poses to societies, economies and global security. Delegates are expected to exchange best practices, promote international cooperation and explore policy approaches for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

The event will feature participation from senior UN officials, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, along with government representatives from across the world. The Dialogue will also include leading voices from the private sector, academia and civil society.

According to the UN, discussions will centre on four major thematic areas. These include understanding AI's social, economic, ethical and cultural implications; bridging global AI divides through capacity-building and digital infrastructure; promoting safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems; and ensuring transparency, accountability, human oversight and respect for human rights in AI governance.

A key objective of the Dialogue is to support developing countries by improving access to AI technologies, strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting international collaboration on open-source AI models and technical capacity building.

The Global Dialogue also seeks to complement existing international AI initiatives by providing a universal platform where governments can work towards interoperable and compatible approaches to AI regulation without duplicating ongoing efforts.

The first session in Geneva will be followed by a second Global Dialogue on AI Governance scheduled to take place in New York in May 2027, continuing the UN's efforts to establish long-term international cooperation on artificial intelligence.

The initiative stems from commitments made under the Global Digital Compact, adopted during the 2024 Summit of the Future, which called for a coordinated global approach to ensure AI technologies are developed and used responsibly, safely and for the benefit of all nations.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, economies and public services worldwide, the UN says the Dialogue represents a significant step towards building a transparent, inclusive and globally coordinated governance framework capable of addressing both the opportunities and risks presented by rapidly evolving AI technologies.

According to the New York Police Department, the man allegedly poured a flammable liquid over himself before setting himself ablaze outside the UN complex. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital with severe burn injuries, where he later died during treatment.

Video circulating on social media showed the man dressed in robes resembling those worn by Buddhist monks. Footage also appeared to show him placing a Tibetan flag on the pavement outside the UN headquarters shortly before the incident. Authorities have not officially verified the authenticity of all videos being shared online.

Investigators recovered pamphlets from the scene carrying the message, "China, Get Out of Tibet." Officials said the material suggests the incident may have been linked to the Tibet issue, although the exact motive has not yet been confirmed. The investigation remains ongoing.

A spokesperson for the United Nations said the incident occurred after official meetings at the headquarters had concluded and did not affect the organisation's operations or scheduled activities.

The incident has once again drawn attention to self-immolation protests associated with the Tibet issue. According to Tibetan advocacy groups, more than 150 Tibetans—including Buddhist monks, nuns, students and civilians—have died by self-immolation since 2009 in protests against Chinese rule in Tibet.

The first widely reported case occurred in February 2009 when a young monk, Tapey, set himself on fire. The number of such incidents peaked between 2012 and 2013 before declining following tighter security measures imposed by Chinese authorities across Tibet.

Tibetan organisations say these protests reflect opposition to Chinese policies, restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms, and demands for the return of the 14th Dalai Lama to Tibet. China, however, rejects these claims and has accused the Tibetan leadership in exile of encouraging such acts, an allegation the Central Tibetan Administration denies.

The Tibet issue remains one of the longest-running geopolitical disputes in Asia. China maintains that Tibet has been an integral part of its territory for centuries and says its administration over the region was formalised through the 1951 Seventeen-Point Agreement. Many Tibetans dispute that position, arguing the agreement was signed under coercion following the entry of Chinese troops into Tibet in 1950.

The Central Tibetan Administration, based in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, continues to manage the educational, cultural and social affairs of Tibetan refugees worldwide. Although often referred to as the Tibetan government-in-exile, it is not recognised as a sovereign government by India, the United Nations or any other country.

India officially recognises the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China while providing asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees on humanitarian grounds. The Indian government has consistently maintained that its territory should not be used for political activities directed against China.

Authorities in New York are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further details are awaited.

US Accuses China of Funding Iran Amid Hormuz Tensions

US-China tensions rise as Washington links Beijing’s Iran oil imports to terrorism financing, urges support to reopen Strait of Hormuz ahead of Trump visit

Sharp remarks from US

In a pointed escalation of rhetoric, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused China of effectively financing Iran by continuing to import large volumes of its oil, describing Tehran as the “largest state sponsor of terrorism”. The comments come at a sensitive moment, just days before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the remarks were made during a media interaction on Monday and reflect growing unease within Washington over Beijing’s energy ties with Tehran.

Oil trade under scrutiny

Bessent alleged that China has been purchasing nearly 90 per cent of Iran’s energy exports, a claim that underscores longstanding US concerns over sanctions enforcement. “Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism, and China has been buying most of their energy,” he said, suggesting that such transactions were helping sustain the Iranian regime despite Western pressure.

The US has, since 2018, attempted to restrict Iran’s oil revenues under its “maximum pressure” campaign, following its exit from the nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Hormuz crisis deepens

The criticism comes amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Recent disruptions, which Washington attributes to Iranian actions, have affected shipping movement in the region.

Bessent said the US was working to reopen the waterway through an initiative dubbed “Project Freedom”, aimed at ensuring safe passage for vessels currently stranded or rerouted due to the situation.

Call for China’s support

Despite the sharp tone, the US has urged Beijing to play a constructive role. Bessent called on China to back international efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz and to use its diplomatic leverage with Iran.

“I would urge the Chinese to join us in supporting this international operation,” he said, adding that Beijing’s influence could prove critical in persuading Tehran to ease tensions and restore normalcy in the shipping lane.

Sources indicated that Washington sees China’s involvement as key, given its deep economic engagement with Iran, particularly in the energy sector.

Diplomatic pressure on Tehran

Alongside operational support, the US is also pushing for diplomatic intervention. Officials suggested that China could help de-escalate the crisis by encouraging Iran to reopen the strait and avoid further confrontation.

Bessent reiterated that the US had made it clear Iran does not have unilateral control over the strategic passage and that international cooperation would be necessary to maintain maritime security.

UN stalemate continues

Efforts to build a global consensus, however, have faced hurdles. At the United Nations, a proposed resolution condemning Iran’s alleged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was recently vetoed by China and Russia, leading to a diplomatic impasse.

Defending Beijing’s position, Chinese envoy Fu Cong said the draft lacked balance and did not adequately reflect the broader geopolitical context, including actions by the US and its allies.

Beijing pushes back

China has also pushed back against US sanctions targeting its firms engaged in Iranian trade. Responding to recent measures, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticised what he described as “illicit unilateral sanctions” and cautioned Washington against overreach.

Analysts note that China’s continued engagement with Iran reflects both strategic and economic considerations, including energy security and regional influence.

Focus on upcoming summit

The developments come ahead of the anticipated Trump–Xi meeting, which is expected to cover a wide range of issues including trade, security, and regional stability. While tensions remain high, there are indications that both sides may seek to stabilise ties through dialogue.

Bessent suggested that leader-level engagement could help ease friction, noting that mutual respect between the two countries’ leadership has previously contributed to stability.

As the situation unfolds, the US-China-Iran dynamic is likely to remain a focal point in global diplomacy, particularly with the Strait of Hormuz tensions continuing to impact energy markets and international shipping.

India Backs UN Statement Criticising Israel’s West Bank Actions

In a significant diplomatic move, India condemns Israel West Bank measures by supporting a joint statement at the United Nations criticising Israel’s recent unilateral decisions in the occupied territory. The statement, backed by over 100 countries and international organisations, opposes Israeli settlement expansion and administrative changes in the West Bank.

This development is important because India shares strong strategic and defence ties with Israel, yet historically supports the Palestinian cause and the Two-State Solution framework. India’s decision to join the statement at the last moment highlights the delicate balance New Delhi is trying to maintain.

What Is Happening in the West Bank?

The West Bank has been at the centre of the Israel-Palestine conflict for decades. After the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, Israel took control of the territory, which was earlier administered by Jordan. Since then, the region has been considered “occupied territory” under international law.

Recently, Israel has reportedly:

 Expanded civilian settlements

 Allocated land for Israeli housing and infrastructure

 Increased administrative control and land registration

Many countries argue that these unilateral measures violate international law, including provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The concern is that such actions fragment Palestinian territories, making it difficult to establish a viable Palestinian state in the future.

 Why the UN Joint Statement Matters

The UN Joint Statement strongly opposes:

 Any form of annexation of occupied territories

 Actions that undermine peace and stability

 Measures that weaken the feasibility of the Two-State Solution

It calls for negotiations and mutual agreement rather than unilateral decisions.

India initially stayed away when 85 countries first supported the statement. However, as global backing grew, India added its name, reinforcing its long-standing support for a negotiated peace process.

Why Did India Condemn Israel?

The move may appear surprising given India’s deep defence and technology cooperation with Israel. However, India’s foreign policy has consistently supported:

 Palestinian self-determination

 A Two-State Solution

 Respect for international law and multilateral processes

By supporting the statement, India signals that strategic partnerships do not override its commitment to international norms.

Experts believe this decision reflects India’s broader global positioning. As a rising power seeking a larger role in global governance, India wants to be seen as supportive of international law and diplomacy.

 Will This Impact India-Israel Relations?

At present, major disruption in India-Israel ties seems unlikely. Defence, technology, and security cooperation remain strong pillars of the relationship.

Israel understands India’s historical stance on Palestine. Similarly, India continues to emphasise dialogue and diplomacy rather than confrontation.

However, diplomatically, this adds pressure on Israel amid growing global criticism over settlement expansion.

 Why This Matters Now

The issue is timely as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. Settlement expansion directly affects the future of peace negotiations. If territorial continuity is broken, creating a viable Palestinian state becomes increasingly difficult.

India’s decision sends a message that while geopolitical realities matter, international law and negotiated settlements remain central to long-term peace.

India’s move to support the UN statement shows the complexity of modern diplomacy. By condemning unilateral actions in the West Bank, India reaffirms its support for the Two-State Solution while maintaining strategic ties with Israel.

In a world shaped by shifting alliances and rising conflicts, India’s balanced stand reflects both principle and pragmatism.