SCA MORNING PRESS CLIPS
Prepared for the U.S. Department of State
Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs
TO: | SCA & Staff |
DATE: | Tuesday, April 8, 2025 6:30 AM ET |
Afghanistan
US ends life-saving food aid for millions. The World Food Program calls it a ‘death sentence’ (AP)
AP [4/7/2025 9:15 PM, Ellen Knickmeyer, Samy Magdy, and David Biller, 126906K]
The Trump administration has ended funding to U.N. World Food Program emergency programs helping keep millions alive in Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen and 11 other impoverished countries, many of them struggling with conflict, according to the organization and officials who spoke to The Associated Press.The World Food Program, the largest provider of food aid, appealed to the U.S. to roll back the new cuts in a social media post Monday. The unexpected round of contract cancellations has targeted some of the last remaining humanitarian programs run by the U.S. Agency for International Development, according to two U.S. officials, a United Nations official and documents obtained by the AP.“This could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation,” WFP said on X.The agency said it was in contact with the Trump administration “to urge for continued support” for life-saving programs and thanked the United States and other donors for past contributions.Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other administration officials had pledged to spare emergency food programs and other life-and-death aid from deep cuts to U.S. foreign assistance. There was no immediate comment Monday from the State Department.The projects were being canceled “for the convenience of the U.S. Government” at the direction of Jeremy Lewin, a top lieutenant at Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency who was appointed to oversee the elimination of USAID programs, according to termination notices sent to partners and viewed by the AP.Programs targeted by Trump administrationIn Syria, a country battling poverty, hunger and insecurity after a 13-year civil war and an insurgency by the Islamic State group, some $230 million in contracts with WFP and humanitarian groups was terminated in recent days, according to a State Department document detailing the cuts that was obtained by the AP.The single biggest of the targeted Syria programs, at $111 million, provided bread and other daily food to 1.5 million people, the document says.About 60 letters canceling contracts were sent over the past week. An official with the United Nations in the Middle East said all U.S. aid to WFP food programs across Yemen, another war-divided country that is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, has been stopped, apparently including food that already had arrived in distribution centers.WFP also received termination letters for U.S.-funded programs in Lebanon and Jordan, where Syrian refugees would be hit hardest, the U.N. official said.Some of the last remaining U.S. funding for key programs in Somalia, Afghanistan and the southern African nation of Zimbabwe also was affected, including for those providing food, water, medical care and shelter for people displaced by war, one of the U.S. officials said.The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.Current and former USAID experts and partners said some $560 million in humanitarian aid was cut to Afghanistan, including for emergency food assistance, the treatment of severely malnourished babies, life-saving medical care, safe drinking water, and emergency mental health treatment for survivors of sexual and physical violence.Another of the notices, sent Friday, abruptly pulled U.S. funding for a program with strong support in Congress that had sent young Afghan women overseas for schooling because of Taliban prohibitions on women’s education, said an administrator for that project, which is run by Texas A&M University.The young women would now face return to Afghanistan, where their lives would be in danger, according to that administrator, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.Larger impact of cutting aidThe abrupt end of WFP programs threatens some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, many of which depend on such food aid, according to humanitarian groups. The U.S. and other donors long have seen efforts to ease humanitarian crises as being in their strategic interest by stemming mass migration, conflicts and extremism, which struggles for resources can bring.WFP chief Cindy McCain said in a posting on social media that the cuts “undermine global stability.”Rubio had notified Congress and courts last month that USAID contract cuts were over, with about 1,000 programs spared worldwide and more than 5,000 others eliminated. That added to the shock of the new cuts.The Trump administration has accused USAID of wastefulness and advancing liberal causes.Trump’s freeze on all foreign assistance through USAID and the State Department led to a brief shutdown of services at the al-Hol camp, where tens of thousands of alleged Islamic State fighters and their families are kept under guard.That shutdown raised fears of an uprising or breakout at the camp. U.S. officials quickly intervened to restore services.The State Department document obtained by the AP identifies two newly terminated contracts, run by Save the Children and the U.N. Population Fund, which provided mental health services and other care to women and children at al-Hol. It was not immediately clear if any other services were affected at the camp.The U.S. had been the major funder of the WFP, providing $4.5 billion of the $9.8 billion in donations to the food agency last year. Trump administration food aid cuts put millions at risk, aid sources say (Reuters)
Reuters [4/7/2025 10:26 PM, Jonathan Landay and Patricia Zengerle, 41523K]
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is ending most, if not all, remaining U.S. aid for Afghanistan and Yemen, aid sources said on Monday, in what the U.N. World Food Programme said could be "a death sentence" for millions.
The cuts were among numerous aid programs terminated for more than a dozen countries - including Somalia and Syria - over the weekend by the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development, according to Sarah Charles, a former head of USAID’s humanitarian affairs bureau, and nine sources, including six current U.S. officials involved in humanitarian aid who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The total amount of aid cut was over $1.3 billion, according figures provided by Stand Up For Aid, a grassroots advocacy group. That includes $562 million for Afghanistan, $107 million for Yemen, $170 million for Somalia, $237 million for Syria and $12 million for Gaza.
The U.N. World Food Programme warned that the termination of U.S. funding for emergency food assistance "could amount to a death sentence for millions of people facing extreme hunger and starvation," and said it was in contact with the Trump administration for more information.
In a Post on X, WFP chief Cindy McCain said funding cuts "will deepen hunger, fuel instability, and make the world far less safe.".
A State Department spokesperson referred Reuters to the White House when asked about the program terminations. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the U.N. was trying to get details on the canceled contracts.
The cuts are the latest piece of the Trump administration’s drive to dismantle USAID, the main U.S. humanitarian aid agency. His administration has canceled billions of dollars in life-saving programs since the Republican president began his second term on January 20.
Many of the terminated programs had been granted waivers by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio from cuts to foreign aid programs made by billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency since February, three of the sources said.
The U.S. has been the largest aid donor to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and to Yemen, most of which is controlled by Islamist militants of the Iran-backed Houthi movement. Both countries have suffered years of devastating war.
"Every remaining USAID award for Afghanistan was terminated," said one source. The officials said the canceled funds included assistance for a U.N. agency that helps women and girls, the WFP and at least six non-governmental organizations.
Assistance to Afghans provided by the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration also was terminated, five sources said.
The terminations will worsen the world’s humanitarian crises, putting millions of desperate people at risk of starvation, and could fuel new waves of illegal immigration, according to several sources and experts.
"Despite continued assurances that lifesaving programs would be protected during the Trump Administration’s ‘review’ of foreign assistance, DOGE spent the weekend canceling aid that the administration previously told Congress would be retained," said Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
She said the end of food assistance would "have devastating consequences" and she looked forward to hearing more from Rubio.
THE MOST VULNERABLE
Among the cuts this weekend were $169.8 million for the WFP in Somalia, covering food assistance, nutrition for malnourished babies and children and humanitarian air support. In Syria, $111 million was cut from WFP food assistance.
Nearly 23 million people, more than half of whom are children, are in need of assistance in Afghanistan, according to the U.N. The WFP says it provided emergency food and cash to nearly 12 million Afghans last year, prioritizing the help for women and girls facing "extreme hunger.".
"The Afghan awards were very carefully targeted at the most life-saving activities," said Charles, who left USAID in January 2024. "This will be devastating to the most vulnerable in Afghanistan who are ... under the thumb of the Taliban.".The U.N. says the U.S. has so far given $206 million in assistance for Afghanistan this year. Last year, it was the largest donor - giving $736 million - to the country wrecked by decades of war that ended with the Taliban seizing power as the U.S. withdrew its last troops in August 2021.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which focuses on sexual and reproductive health, was first told at the end of February that a $24 million two-year grant for work in Afghanistan had been terminated. At the same time, a $17 million two-year grant for work in Syria was also terminated.
Both terminations were rescinded by Washington within days. On Friday, both grants were once again terminated, UNFPA said.
The cutoff of aid to Afghanistan also could unleash new economic instability as it will affect shipments of dollars to a private bank in Kabul for exchange into afghanis, the national currency, by the United Nations to fund aid operations.
The cuts may also stoke conditions that prompt people to join extremist groups like Islamic State’s Afghanistan-based branch, known as ISIS-K, U.S. officials said.
Reuters also reviewed the text of a USAID letter informing an undisclosed Yemen aid contractor that the termination was ordered by Jeremy Lewin, an acting USAID assistant administrator and a DOGE operative overseeing the dismantling of USAID, including the termination of thousands of employees.
"The decision to terminate this individual award," the letter said, "is pursuant to a review and determination that the award is inconsistent with the Administration’s priorities.".
According to U.N. data, more than 19 million of Yemen’s 35 million people are in need of help, with some 17 million "food insecure." The U.S., which has provided $768 million last year according to the U.N., has provided so far this year $15 million in assistance to Yemen. Pakistan
US discusses tariffs, critical minerals and immigration with Pakistan (Reuters)
Reuters [4/7/2025 3:25 PM, Kanishka Singh, 41523K]
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday about tariffs, trade relations, immigration and prospects for engagement on critical minerals, the State Department and Pakistan’s foreign ministry said a separate statements.
President Donald Trump said last week that he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. and higher duties on dozens of other countries, including some of Washington’s biggest trading partners, rattling global markets and bewildering U.S. allies. The Trump administration imposed a 29% tariff on Pakistan.
"They (Rubio and Dar) discussed U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Pakistan and how to make progress toward a fair and balanced trade relationship," the State Department said."The Secretary raised prospects for engagement on critical minerals and expressed interest in expanding commercial opportunities for U.S. companies.".
Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Rubio "reciprocated the desire to collaborate with Pakistan in trade and investment in various sectors, especially critical minerals.".
The Trump administration has also used prospects of engagement over critical minerals with others countries.
For example, it is attempting to strike an agreement over critical minerals with Ukraine as part of talks related to the Russia-Ukraine war. Washington has also said it is open to exploring critical minerals partnerships with Congo and help end a conflict raging in the African country’s east.
In the call with Dar, Rubio emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s cooperation with the U.S. on law enforcement and addressing illegal immigration, the State Department said.
Last month, Pakistan highlighted its cooperation with Washington on countering extremism after the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, whom the U.S. blames for a 2021 attack on its troops at Kabul airport, in a military operation along the border with Afghanistan.
The Pakistan foreign ministry said Rubio and Dar discussed the situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan eyes multibillion dollars of investment as it hosts summit on country’s minerals sector (AP)
AP [4/8/2025 3:35 AM, Staff, 456K]
Pakistan is pitching investments in its mines and minerals sector to delegations from the United States, Saudi Arabia and China as it opened a summit Tuesday during which authorities hope to bring billions of dollars in investments.
The event aims to spotlight Pakistan’s vast reserves of copper, gold, lithium and other minerals while promoting investment opportunities in the long-overlooked sector.
The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who said in televised remarks that “Pakistan is strategically positioned to emerge as a global mining powerhouse.” He added that the country holds one of the world’s largest unexplored reserves and is offering incentives to potential investors.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s powerful army chief Gen. Asim Munir also attended the event.
Pakistan is home to significant mineral wealth, including world’s one of the largest copper and gold deposits in Reko Diq, a district in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan, which has witnessed a surge in attacks on security forces and foreigners by Baloch separatists in recent years.
Oil- and mineral-rich Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest but also least populated province. It is a hub for the country’s ethnic Baloch minority, whose members say they face discrimination and exploitation by the central government.
Pakistan says it has quelled the insurgency in Balochistan, but the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army has continued to mount attacks as recently as last month.
The BLA mostly targets security forces and foreigners, especially Chinese nationals who are in Pakistan as part of Beijing’s multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative. The BLA wants a halt to all Chinese-funded projects and for Chinese workers to leave Pakistan. Pakistani security forces kill 9 militants in a raid near the Afghan border, the military says (AP)
AP [4/7/2025 1:16 PM, Staff, 126906K]
Pakistani security forces raided a militant hideout in the restive northwest near the Afghan border, killing nine militants, the military said Monday.The military said in a statement that a high-value militant whom it identified as Shireen was among the insurgents killed in Dera Ismail Khan, a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Shireen was behind last month’s killing of army Capt. Hasnain Akhtar, who died during a shootout in the region, the military said.All the militants were “Khwarij,” a phrase the government uses for Pakistani Taliban, the military added.The Pakistani Taliban are known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. The group is an ally of the Taliban in Afghanistan and has been emboldened since the Afghan Taliban seized power there in 2021. Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks, most claimed by TTP.Pakistan often accuses Kabul of not doing enough to combat militant activity across the border, a charge the Afghan Taliban-led government denies, saying it does not allow anyone to carry out attacks against any country.On Monday, Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, urged Kabul to stop TTP from carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, saying Afghanistan should work with us on the issue of combating terrorism.“Afghanistan has to work with us on this. If they are not working on this, then all deals are off,” Sadiq warned during televised remarks at a seminar in the capital of Islamabad.Though Pakistan often conducts operations against the militants, the latest raid in Dera Ismail Khan came a day after troops killed eight militants in the northwestern North Waziristan district as they tried to cross the border with Afghanistan. Thousands Of Afghans Depart Pakistan Under Repatriation Pressure (Agence France-Presse)
Agence France-Presse [4/7/2025 9:50 AM, Staff, 1054K]
Thousands of Afghans have crossed the border from Pakistan in recent days, the United Nations and Taliban officials said, as Islamabad ramped up pressure for them to return to Afghanistan.
Pakistan last month set an early April deadline for some 800,000 Afghans carrying Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) issued by Pakistan authorities to leave the country, another phase in Islamabad’s campaign in recent years to repatriate Afghans.
Families with their belongings in tow lined up at the key border crossings of Torkham in the north and Spin Boldak in the south, recalling similar scenes in 2023 when tens of thousands of Afghans fled deportation threats in Pakistan.
"In the last 2 days, 8,025 undocumented & ACC holders returned via Torkham & Spin Boldak crossings," the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in a post on social media platform X on Monday.
"IOM stands ready to scale up its response at key border points with forced returns expected to surge in the coming days," it said.
Taliban officials also said thousands of people had crossed the border, but at lower rates than the IOM reported.
Refugee ministry spokesman Abdul Mutalib Haqqani told AFP that 6,000-7,000 Afghans had returned since the start of April, saying "more than a million Afghans might return".
"We are urging Pakistan authorities not to deport them (Afghans) forcefully -- there should be a proper mechanism with an agreement between both countries, and they must be returned with dignity," he said.
The UN says nearly three million Afghans live in Pakistan, many having lived there for decades after fleeing successive conflicts in their country and after the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul in 2021.
"We were forced to return. Two days ago I was stopped and asked for documentation when they were searching houses," 38-year-old Abdul Rahman told AFP after passing the Spin Boldak crossing with his family from Quetta, in Pakistan’s southwest, where they lived for six years.
"They didn’t even gave me an hour (to leave), I sold a carpet and my phone to make some money to come here, all my other belongings we left behind," he said.
Human rights activists have been reporting for months the harassment and extortion of Afghans in Pakistan, a country mired in political and economic chaos.
More than 1.3 million Afghans who hold Proof of Registration cards from the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, have also been told to move outside the capital Islamabad and the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi.
Human Rights Watch has slammed "abusive tactics" used to pressure Afghans to return to their country, "where they risk persecution by the Taliban and face dire economic conditions".
Ties between the neighbouring countries have frayed since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
Islamabad has accused Kabul’s rulers of failing to root out militants sheltering on its soil, a charge that the Taliban government denies, as Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in violence in border regions with Afghanistan. Binance Founder Zhao to Help Pakistan Boost Crypto Trading Bid (Bloomberg)
Bloomberg [4/7/2025 1:46 PM, Kamran Haider, 5.5M]
Pakistan has roped in Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder of the world’s largest crypto exchange Binance, to set up a globally competitive platform for digital finance in the South Asian nation.
Binance’s Zhao will guide the Pakistan’s newly-formed Crypto Council on regulation, infrastructure, education and adoption as a strategic advisor, according to a statement issued by the finance ministry.
The appointment comes at a time when Pakistan is desperately looking for investments to bolster the country’s economy that dodged a financial default in 2023. The government plans to develop a legal framework for crypto currency trading to lure foreign investors.“With CZ onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and block chain-driven growth,” Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb commented in the statement.
Crypto trading is steadily gaining traction among Pakistan’s 230-million population despite its central bank’s warning over the risks posed by the industry. Pakistan hires Binance ex-CEO as crypto adviser, India left watching (TheStreet)
TheStreet [4/7/2025 4:42 PM, Anushka Basu, 52868K]
Changpeng Zhao, former CEO of Binance, commonly known as CZ, has been appointed as a strategic advisor to Pakistan’s Crypto Council (PCC)— a decision that has sent ripples of opposition in India across the border.
Several Indian crypto advocates on social media platform X want their government to copy the move.
"What India could have done, Pakistan outsmarted us!" wrote Opinderpreet. Influencer and data scientist Budhil Vyas wondered if Pakistan’s move would encourage Modi, India’s Prime Minister, to take steps to adopt crypto.
Meanwhile, an Asian Key Opinion Leader, Sumit, expressed frustration, saying, "Now it looks like India will be the last country to take any positive steps." The sentiment seems clear--India’s crypto community does not want to miss out on the Web3 revolution.
Pakistan welcomes CZ as crypto adviser
This appointment, which Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance confirmed, was first reported by Bloomberg on Apr 7. CZ will collaborate more closely with the Finance Division, the State Bank of Pakistan, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan to guide regulation, infrastructure, education, and adoption plans.
Finance Minister and PCC Chairman Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb called his appointment a "landmark" moment for Pakistan. He said, "We are sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan is open for innovation.".
According to Chainalysis, Pakistan is already in the top 10 countries and ranks third globally in crypto adoption. The country has 20 million active users and transfers $35 billion in remittances per year with crypto, especially stablecoins, being used to smooth currency devaluation and improve remittance efficiency.
During his visit, CZ met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, reiterating his commitment to partner with Pakistan in its digital transformation journey. "Pakistan is a country of 240 million people, over 60% of whom are under 30. The potential here is limitless," CZ said.
The ex-CEO also posted on X, saying, "HK yesterday, back-to-back meetings with founders, fireside chats, and OG drinks. Then, with a buzz, wrote Sunday build idea. Red-eye flight to Pakistan. Met many ministers and the PM, great in-depth discussions on many topics".Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of PCC, hailed CZ’s appointment as a strong message to the world. He said it is fitting that CZ would guide Pakistan as he was one of the original cavalry who redefined financial freedom for billions of people.CZ operates as a strategic adviser in crypto, advising governments and regulatory bodies on everything from developing digital asset regulations to growing infrastructure and mass adoption. On Apr 4, CZ also joined hands with the Kyrgyzstan Republic to administer their blockchain technology. Pakistan Journalist Arrested Over Disinformation Released (Agence France-Presse)
Agence France-Presse [4/7/2025 8:45 AM, Staff, 62527K]
The founder of a Pakistani online news channel who was arrested for allegedly spreading disinformation was released on bail on Monday, his lawyer said.Farhan Mallick, who runs Raftar, was charged after changes to a disinformation law in January saw punishments of up to three years in prison introduced.Critics say the law is being used to quash dissenting views and control online media.Mallick’s lawyer Abdul Moiz Jaferii told AFP he was released after offering 100,000 rupees ($354) for each of the two cases he was charged with.He was arrested more than two weeks ago for "generating and disseminating anti-state publications and videos, with the aim of spreading disinformation and inciting public violence".He was accused in a second case of credit card fraud.Another journalist, Muhammed Waheed Murad of the Saudi online media Urdu News, was also accused days later of "online disinformation", before being granted bail.Both journalists had reported on the alleged role of the powerful military that has ruled the country for several decades, an institution that many mainstream media are careful to avoid criticising.Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have sounded the alarm about two brothers of exiled journalist Ahmad Noorani, who police say were "kidnapped" in Islamabad last month.Journalists have long complained of increasing state pressure on traditional media in Pakistan, ranked 152nd out of 180 countries in RSF’s press freedom index.Social media platform X is officially banned, but accessible using VPNs, while YouTube and TikTok have faced bans in the past. India
US and India discuss tariffs and progress towards ‘fair’ trade (Reuters)
Reuters [4/7/2025 5:51 PM, Kanishka Singh, 126906K]
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held a call on Monday to discuss U.S. tariffs on India and how to make progress towards a "fair and balanced trade relationship," the State Department said.
Jaishankar also said on social media earlier on Monday that he had spoken to Rubio about the early conclusion of a bilateral trade deal.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Trump said last week that he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. and higher duties on dozens of other countries, including some of Washington’s biggest trading partners, rattling global markets and bewildering U.S. allies.
CONTEXT
India does not plan to retaliate against Trump’s 26% tariff on imports from the Asian nation, an Indian government official said on Sunday, citing ongoing talks for a deal between the countries.
KEY QUOTES
"They also discussed U.S. reciprocal tariffs on India and how to make progress toward a fair and balanced trade relationship," the State Department said in a statement.
"Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement. Look forward to remaining in touch," Jaishankar said in his social media post. India Sees ‘Opportunity of a Lifetime’ in Trump’s Trade Policy (Bloomberg)
Bloomberg [4/8/2025 1:49 AM, Shruti Srivastava, 5.5M]
While Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs have unleashed fear and fury around the world, there is one major economy that sees an “opportunity of a lifetime” in the disruptions.
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said the coming changes to global trade will not only bring fairness to supply chains, but also be advantageous for the world’s fastest-growing large economy.“We stand at a moment in history where India is well poised to convert the current situation into an opportunity,” Goyal said at the India Global Forum in Mumbai. “We have an opportunity of a lifetime,” he added.
The minister’s comments came on the day Asian shares posted a historic loss as Trump threated China with additional tariffs, and continued to keep world leaders in the dark about whether they will be able to delay the levies. Volatility has surged with $10 trillion wiped off global equities after the US unveiled sweeping tariffs last week.
In his remarks, Goyal said the current turmoil in global economy can be traced back to China joining the World Trade Organization almost 25 years ago. “If somebody was to ask me what would be the trigger point of where we are today and why we are going through this churn, the starting point of this actually goes to the beginning of 2000 when China was admitted as the member of the WTO,” Goyal said.
China’s growth since then has been fueled at “the cost of fair trade,” he said. The minister’s comments appear to back Trump’s criticism of China’s trade practices and indicate New Delhi isn’t in a hurry to ease its own investment and trade restrictions on its larger neighbor, despite recent signs of a thaw in relationship. The two nations began easing a border standoff in recent months and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit last year, agreeing to restart direct flights.
Washington last week announced 26% tariffs on US imports from the South Asian nation, which is lower than the rate imposed on regional rivals like China and Vietnam. India’s response is in stark contrast with China’s, which has retaliated with a tit-for-tat 34% duties on US imports, and European Union’s, which plans to impose 25% tariffs on some American goods.
Unlike other major economies, India has indicated it won’t take retaliatory action against the US, focusing its efforts instead on negotiating a bilateral trade deal with the Trump administration. The South Asian nation has first-mover advantage over its rivals since the government has already started talks on a trade deal, which they plan to seal by fall of this year, officials said.
In another step in that direction, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Monday discussed tariffs and “how to make progress toward a fair and balanced trade relationship,” according to a readout from the US.
Goyal also played down any immediate hit to the economy, even though analysts see a 20-40 basis point growth drag following the tariffs. “India is not an export-dependent economy,” he told Bloomberg’s Haslinda Amin during a fireside chat at the forum. “Large domestic demand has kind of kept India strong and any trade disruption may really not have that large an impact on India.”There are some early signs that major companies are looking at India to mitigate the damage to supply chains once tariffs kick in. Apple Inc. is steering more devices made in India to the US market, Bloomberg News has reported.
Apart from the US, India is also negotiating pacts with other trading partners, including the EU and the UK. When it comes to Chinese investments, Goyal said India will restrict market access to EV giant BYD, even as it courts US rival Tesla.“India has to be cautious about its strategic interests, who we allow to invest,” he said. “As of now it is a no” to BYD. After Trump, EU seeks zero tariff from India on car imports, sources say (Reuters)
Reuters [4/7/2025 5:37 AM, Aditi Shah and Shivangi Acharya, 777K]
The European Union wants India to eliminate tariffs on car imports under a long-pending trade deal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is willing to sweeten its current proposal to seal the talks, sources told Reuters.India is open to the phased reduction of tariffs to 10% from more than 100%, two industry sources and a government official said. That is despite industry lobbying for India to retain at least a 30% tariff even if it starts reducing the levy, and also not tinker with import duties on EVs for four more years to protect domestic players.The EU’s demands come weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration sought a similar elimination of import duties on cars, including EVs, as part of bilateral trade talks with India, piling pressure on domestic carmakers.Tariff cuts will be a victory for European carmakers such as Volkswagen (VOWG.DE), Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE), and BMW (BMWG.DE), widening their access to India. It could also be a win for Elon Musk’s Tesla (TSLA.O), which will begin sales of imported EVs in India this year probably from its Berlin plant."EU has come back asking for a better deal and India wants to make a better offer," said one of the industry sources.India’s commerce ministry conveyed the EU’s demands and India’s stance to officials from the heavy industries ministry and auto industry representatives in a meeting last week, the three sources said.The sources, who have knowledge of the talks, spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations are ongoing and private.The European Commission declined to comment on specifics but shared a readout of its last round of talks with India in March."For many of the key areas, the EU and India have different approaches, objectives ... This translates, in some cases, in different levels of ambition," Olof Gill, commission spokesperson for trade said in a statement.India’s commerce ministry and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), which represents major carmakers on the world’s third-largest car market, did not respond to emails seeking comment.HEAVILY PROTECTED MARKETIndia’s 4 million-unit-a-year car market is one of the most protected in the world and domestic carmakers have argued sharp tariff cuts would wipe out investment in local manufacturing by making imports cheaper.Companies such as Tata Motors (TAMO.NS), and Mahindra & Mahindra (MAHM.NS) have especially lobbied against lowering import tariffs on EVs, saying it would hurt a sector in which they have invested heavily and in which they plan to pump more money.Similar to its proposal to the U.S., India’s auto industry has proposed an immediate reduction of tariffs on a limited number of petrol cars to 70% from more than 100% and then carrying out cuts in phases to 30%. On EVs, carmakers want no tariff cuts until 2029 followed by a phased reduction on limited imports to 30%, the sources said.While it was not immediately clear if India had already made its 10% tariff offer to the EU, analysts expect both sides to be more flexible in negotiations given the threat of a global trade war and recessionary impact of Trump’s hefty tariff increases.India and the EU have been in trade talks for several years and in February agreed to conclude the deal by the end of the year as they look to soften the impact of tariffs.António Costa, president of the European Council, said last week on social media platform X that it was time to "decisively advance in negotiations with India"."If the EU is now feeling pressure to strike a deal with India we need to see how we can capitalise on that. It’s all about leverage," said the first industry source. Apple Plans to Source More iPhones From India as Potential Tariff Fix (Wall Street Journal)
Wall Street Journal [4/7/2025 5:31 PM, Yang Jie and Rolfe Winkler, 810K]
Apple decrease; red down pointing triangle plans to send more iPhones to the U.S. from India to offset the high cost of China tariffs, people familiar with the matter said.
The adjustments are a short-term stopgap while Apple attempts to win an exemption from President Trump’s tariffs—which Chief Executive Tim Cook obtained during the first Trump administration. The company sees the current situation as too uncertain to upend long-term investments in its supply chain, which is centered around China, the people said.
Trump’s new tariff package raises levies on Chinese goods to at least 54% while imposing a 26% rate on Indian goods. On Monday, Trump threatened to add to China tariffs if the country doesn’t remove the retaliatory duties they announced after U.S. tariff plans were revealed on April 2.
The iPhone is Apple’s signature product and makes up about 50% of its revenue. The company’s heavy reliance on China for manufacturing has spooked investors concerned about its exposure to tariffs, leading to a 19% decline in its shares, their worst three-day performance in nearly 25 years.
Before tariffs were announced, Apple was on pace to make about 25 million iPhones in India this year, said Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan. Normally, around 10 million of those would supply the local Indian market. If Apple were to redirect all India-made iPhones to the U.S., it could meet about 50% of American demand for the device this year, he said. Apple has been working to increase its India iPhone production for years.
The tariff on Chinese goods could add about $300 to the current $550 hardware cost to Apple of an iPhone 16 Pro that currently retails for $1,100, according to TechInsights. Apple could limit the damage by importing phones from India where the tariff is about half as high.
While Trump has called for a manufacturing renaissance in the U.S., analysts and suppliers said moving iPhone production to Apple’s home country was a nonstarter because the cost would be far beyond the cost of paying the tariff. “If consumers want a $3,500 iPhone we should make them in New Jersey or Texas or another state,” research firm Wedbush said in a recent note.
Apple makes many iPhone components in China but in recent years has assembled more of the devices in India. That allows the company to stamp India as the country of origin for those devices because they undergo “substantial transformation” there—from a pile of parts to a functioning smartphone.
Since 2017, Apple has worked with partners to assemble iPhones in India, starting with older models and gradually expanding to include the latest ones. The policy both addresses China risk and avoids import tariffs when selling in India, one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets.
Yet the company’s production is still centered in China. Its manufacturing partners such as Foxconn operate huge facilities there, taking advantage of the country’s deep network of suppliers, skilled labor and government support.
Apple is investing in making other products in the U.S., including the servers needed for artificial intelligence such as the Apple Intelligence service.
In February, Apple said it planned to spend more than $500 billion over the next four years in U.S. manufacturing—an announcement touted by Trump as evidence his policies were working. The money includes committing to buy more advanced chips made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in Arizona.
Vietnam, which has become a hub for making AirPods, the Apple Watch and iPads, received a tariff of 46% under Trump’s plan, nearly as high as China’s. But Trump suggested in a social-media post Friday after speaking to Vietnam’s leader that he might offer a better deal. American YouTuber who left a Diet Coke can for a reclusive island tribe is arrested in India (AP)
AP [4/7/2025 9:38 PM, Rajesh Roy, 126906K]
Indian police have arrested a 24-year-old American Youtuber who visited an off-limits island in the Indian ocean and left an offering of a Diet Coke can and a coconut in an attempt to make contact with an isolated tribe known for attacking intruders.Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, from Scottsdale, Arizona, was arrested on March 31, two days after he set foot on the restricted territory of North Sentinel Island — part of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands — in a bid to meet people from the reclusive Sentinelese tribe, police said.A local court last week sent Polyakov to a 14-day judicial custody and he is set to appear again in the court April 17. The charges carry a possible sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine. Indian authorities said they had informed the U.S. Embassy about the case.Visitors are banned from traveling within 3 miles (5 kilometers) of the island, whose population has been isolated from the rest of the world for thousands of years. The inhabitants use spears and bows and arrows to hunt the animals that roam the small, heavily forested island. Deeply suspicious of outsiders, they attack anyone who lands onto their beaches.In 2018, an American missionary who landed illegally on the beach was killed by North Sentinel islanders who apparently shot him with arrows and then buried his body on the beach. In 2006, the Sentinelese had killed two fishermen who had accidentally landed on the shore.Indian officials have limited contacts to rare “gift-giving” encounters, with small teams of officials and scientists leaving coconuts and bananas for the islanders. Indian ships also monitor the waters around the island, trying to ensure outsiders do not go near the Sentinelese, who have repeatedly made clear they want to be left alone.Police said Polyakov was guided by GPS navigation during his journey and surveyed the island with binoculars before landing. He stayed on the beach for about an hour, blowing a whistle to attract the attention but got no response from the islanders.He later left a can of Diet Coke and a coconut as an offering, made a video on his camera, and collected some sand samples before returning to his boat.On his return he was spotted by local fishermen, who informed the authorities and Polyakov was arrested in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an archipelago nearly 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) east of India’s mainland. A case was registered against him for violation of Indian laws that prohibit any outsider to interact with the islanders.Police said Polyakov had conducted detailed research on sea conditions, tides and accessibility to the island before starting his journey.“He planned meticulously over several days to visit the island and make a contact with the Sentinel tribe,” Senior Police Officer Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal said.In a statement, police said Polyakov’s “actions posed a serious threat to the safety and well-being of the Sentinelese people, whose contact with outsiders is strictly prohibited by the law to protect their indigenous way of life.”An initial investigation revealed Polyakov had made two previous attempts, in October last year and January, to visit the islands, including in an inflatable kayak.Police said Polyakov was drawn to the island due to his passion for adventure and extreme challenges, and was fascinated by the mystique of the Sentinelese people.Survival International, a group that protects the rights of Indigenous peoples, said Polyakov’s attempted contact with the tribes of North Sentinel was “reckless and idiotic.”
“This person’s actions not only endangered his own life, they put the lives of the entire Sentinelese tribe at risk,” the group’s director Caroline Pearce said in a statement. Pride parade in India cancelled after protests and threats by religious groups (The Independent)
The Independent [4/7/2025 9:37 AM, Alisha Rahaman Sarkar, 44838K]
A pride parade in the northern Indian state of Punjab has been cancelled after it was threatened by Sikh religious groups.
Organisers said over the weekend they had cancelled the march, prioritising the safety of participants.
The march was scheduled to take place on 27 April in Amritsar city, some 450km north of the national capital Delhi.
"This year, due to opposition, we are informing that Pride Amritsar is cancelling the Pride Parade 2025," organisers Ridham Chadha and Ramit Seth said in a statement.
"We do not intend to harm the sentiments of any religious or political groups. The safety of our members is our first priority and we will take measures to safeguard it.".
The acting leader of the Akal Takht – the temporal authority in Sikhism – had condemned the march and called it "unnatural", Punjab News reported.
Paramjit Singh Akali, a leader of the Nihang Sikh community, had also reportedly urged local authorities to deny permission to the march.
Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple, a gurudwara on a lake that is considered one of the holiest sites in Sikhism. Nihang Sikh groups argued Amritsar was a religious city where "nothing like this should happen on this soil".
"If it happens, the administration will be responsible for the deteriorating atmosphere," Mr Singh Akali was quoted as saying by the local broadcaster ETV Bharat.
If the administration did not stop the parade, he warned, Nihang Sikhs would "stop it in their own way".
Members of the LGBT+ community in over a dozen Indian states hold pride parades most summers. The tradition began as an act of defiance in the eastern city of Kolkata in July 1999, at a time when homosexuality was illegal in the country.
In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down a British colonial law that had made gay sex punishable by up to 10 years in prison and expanded constitutional rights for the LGBT+ community. The ruling was seen as a historic victory for human rights campaigners.
Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, in its first term at the time, did not oppose decriminalisation during the Supreme Court’s hearings. But it has repeatedly resisted the legal recognition of same-sex marriage and rejected several petitions in favour. Some religious groups have also opposed recognising same-sex unions, claiming they go against Indian culture. India overhauls teaching in Himalayan Buddhist monasteries to counter China (Reuters)
Reuters [4/8/2025 2:05 AM, Rupam Jain, 5.2M]
India is preparing to roll out its first school curriculum for Buddhist monasteries this month, aiming to unify education programmes and foster patriotism in Himalayan religious centers near its border with China.
Home to many ancient monasteries as the birthplace of Buddhism, India received an influx of Tibetans in the 1950s that led to many new institutions being set up, but now it seeks to insulate religious learning from China’s influence.
"We are trying to inculcate Indian identity through education along with Buddhism to make sure China can never control our monasteries in the Himalayas," said Maling Gombu, a Buddhist worker of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"Thousands of children living and studying in remote monasteries deserve education recognised and certified by India," added Gombu, one of a team promoting Indian Buddhist traditions and national education in Arunachal Pradesh.
The border state is claimed by China, but New Delhi rejects this.
About 600 monasteries scattered across the northern states of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh offer training in four types of Tibetan and Indian Buddhist traditions.
They also teach modern subjects and English, but the courses lack consistency outside a national education effort that aims to weld an overarching identity from India’s patchwork of languages and religions.
"The non-religious education taught by monks or nuns is not acknowledged outside monasteries," said Rajeev Kumar Singh, a director of the education ministry’s National Institute of Open Schooling.
Singh, who has worked on the new curriculum that caps a five-year assessment effort, said it hoped to prepare Indian and Tibetan students for academic life in India.
"They (Tibetans) are free to learn Tibetan history and their tradition, but they should learn about India as they reside here and require proper education to secure jobs outside monasteries."
A government document reviewed by Reuters showed that 20 monasteries near the 3,000-km (1,860-mile) border with China have agreed to adopt the new curriculum, with the rest to be phased in later in the year.
MORE TIME NEEDED
While authorities negotiate individually with monasteries to take up the syllabus, they also need time to print up new textbooks and locate teachers to staff the schools, most in sparsely-populated areas, officials said.
But monks in some monasteries, such as the Gontse Garden Rabgye Ling in Arunachal Pradesh, say their syllabus focused on Buddhist philosophy, along with modern education, is carefully curated to meet the needs of children who may become preachers.
"We don’t think introduction of government-mandated syllabus is required in our monastery as it can break the rhythm designed since the 1970s," said Geshe Dondup, a religious teacher at the monastery, home to about 300 students this year.
Tens of thousands of Tibetans sought refuge in India where their spiritual leader and Nobel Peace laureate, the Dalai Lama, fled as Chinese troops crushed an attempted uprising in their homeland in 1959.
About 75,000 Tibetan refugees now live in settlements managed by the Dalai Lama’s government-in-exile, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), which controls some monasteries directly, though not those outside the Tibetan tradition.
Reuters reviewed the first batch of textbooks prepared for monasteries by education ministry officials and Indian Buddhist scholars, which delve into India’s modern and ancient history, and the nation’s role in Tibet’s freedom struggle.
The texts also emphasise mathematics, science and computer training, besides mandatory studies in English, Hindi and the native Bhoti language.
The CTA’s education minister, Tharlam Dolma, said monastery schools have historically been managed by monks and nuns based on their funding, and the CTA lacked governance rights over them. An official in the Dalai Lama’s office did not comment.
India will begin offering funds to monasteries, run for decades by different sects of Buddhism with the help of foreign aid, to recruit teachers, pay stipends to monks and pave the way for annual examinations.
In its effort to unify school programmes, a court essentially banned Islamic schools in India’s most populous state in March last year, saying they violated constitutional secularism and ordering students moved to conventional schools.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a home ministry official said streamlining education in monasteries in far-flung strategic areas was part of a larger plan to fence off religious institutions from China’s influence.
A home ministry spokesperson did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Last year the Asian giants began unwinding a military standoff on their disputed border since clashes in 2020 killed two dozen troops, but India aims to spend more to develop border areas amid the slow thaw in ties. India’s fuel demand hits 10-month high in March (Reuters)
Reuters [4/7/2025 10:42 AM, Daksh Grover, 126906K]
India’s fuel demand in March hit a 10-month high, rising 9.3% from the previous month to 20.91 million metric tons, oil ministry data showed on Monday.WHY IT’S IMPORTANTIndia is the world’s third-largest consumer and importer of oil. The data is a proxy for the country’s oil demand.BY THE NUMBERSOn a yearly basis, March fuel demand was down 3.1% from 21.57 million tons in the same month last year, the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell’s website showed.Sales of gasoline, or petrol, rose 10.6% to 3.5 million tons compared with last month’s 3.2 million tons, and were 5.7% higher than a year earlier.Diesel consumption rose nearly 10% month-on-month to 8.1 million tons in March.Cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas sales increased 4.2% on an annual basis to 2.72 million tons, while naphtha sales fell almost 5% compared with last year to 1.08 million tons.On a monthly basis, LPG and naphtha sales rose 5.8% and nearly 14%, respectively.Sales of bitumen, used for making roads, were 18.4% higher, while fuel oil use ticked up by 1.5% in March, in comparison with February.CONTEXTIndia’s infrastructure output increased 2.9% year-on-year in February, its slowest pace in five months.India is considering a proposal to scrap import tax on U.S. liquefied natural gas to boost purchases and help cut the trade surplus with Washington, government and industry sources said.KEY QUOTE"Trade tensions might have an impact on oil demand growth, but for now I would still expect Indian oil demand to keep rising unless the world shifts into a recession," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said. NSB
Bangladesh urges Trump to delay tariff, citing moves to boost imports from US (Reuters)
Reuters [4/7/2025 8:48 AM, Ruma Paul, 777K]
Bangladesh’s interim head Muhammad Yunus has written to U.S. President Donald Trump requesting a three-month pause on a 37% tariff on imports from Bangladesh, citing efforts to boost imports from the U.S., his press office said on Monday.Bangladeshi exporters, especially in the garment sector, are bracing for the impact of the tariff.In the letter, Yunus — a Nobel laureate who took charge of the interim government in August after prime minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown — outlined steps Bangladesh has already taken to strengthen bilateral trade.“We are the first country to take such a pro-active initiative,” Yunus wrote, referring to the February visit of his representative, Khalilur Rahman, to Washington to begin trade discussions. Since then, officials from both countries have been working to identify specific actions that can quickly boost American exports.The letter notes that Bangladesh was the first South Asian country to sign a multi-year agreement to import U.S. liquefied natural gas, and is working to expand trade in agriculture, energy and technology.According to the letter, the government is now focusing on increasing imports of U.S. agricultural produce including cotton, wheat, corn and soybeans.To support this, Bangladesh is finalising a bonded warehousing facility that will allow duty-free access for U.S. cotton, ensuring faster delivery to local manufacturers.Yunus said Bangladesh maintains the lowest tariffs on U.S. exports in South Asia and plans further cuts.He also listed reforms under way to ease non-tariff barriers: “We are eliminating certain testing requirements, rationalizing packaging, labelling and certification rules, and simplifying customs procedures and standards.”Yunus said Bangladesh’s move to approve the use of billionaire Trump aide Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet network was a signal of readiness to welcome more U.S. investment in high-tech sectors including civil aviation and defence.“Bangladesh will take all necessary actions to fully support your trade agenda,” Yunus told Trump. Bangladesh Requests Three-month US Tariff Pause: Government (Agence France-Presse)
Agence France-Presse [4/7/2025 7:59 AM, Staff, 62527K]
Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus has written to US President Donald Trump seeking a three-month pause to biting tariffs on the world’s second-biggest garment manufacturer, the government said in a statement on Monday."Bangladesh will take all necessary actions to fully support your trade agenda," Yunus told Trump, according to a government statement, requesting the pause to allow Dhaka to "substantially increase" US exports to the South Asian nation. Major Garment Producer Bangladesh Says US Buyers Halting Orders (Agence France-Presse)
Agence France-Presse [4/7/2025 8:13 AM, Staff, 62527K]
US buyers have begun halting orders from Bangladesh, the world’s second-biggest garment manufacturer, after punishing US tariffs that pushed the government in Dhaka to plead on Monday for a three-month pause to the levies.Textile and garment production accounts for about 80 percent of exports in Bangladesh and the industry has been rebuilding after it was hit hard in a student-led revolution that toppled the government last year.US President Donald Trump hit Bangladesh with biting new tariffs of 37 percent on Wednesday, hiking duties from the previous 16 percent on cotton products.Reports of the swift biting impact come as interim leader Muhammad Yunus pleaded with Trump to "postpone the application of US reciprocal tariff measures", the government said in a statement.Yunus wrote to Trump to ask for "three months to allow the interim government to smoothly implement its initiative to substantially increase US exports to Bangladesh", the statement added.Those products include "cotton, wheat, corn and soybean which will offer benefits to US farmers", it read."Bangladesh will take all necessary actions to fully support your trade agenda," Yunus told Trump, according to the statement.Manufacturers said the impact had been near immediate.Mohammad Mushfiqur Rahman, managing director of Essensor Footwear and Leather Products, said he received a letter from one of his buyers requesting a shipment halt."My buyer asked me to stop a shipment of leather goods -- including bags, belts, and wallets -- worth $300,000 on Sunday," Rahman told AFP."He’s a long-time buyer and now both of us are in limbo over the issue."Rahman, who has been operating since 2008, usually sends goods averaging about $100,000 to the United States every month.Bangladesh exported approximately $8.4 billion worth of goods to the United States last year, of which $7.34 billion came from the ready-made garments sector.Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo also quoted AKM Saifur Rahman, CEO of ready-made garments producer Wikitex-BD, saying that his US buyer had requested a halt to a shipment worth $150,000."My US buyer said it is not possible to pass the extra cost on to their clients, so we need to lower the price," Rahman told the daily.Md Anwar Hossain, government-appointed administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), sent a letter to US-based buyers pleading for understanding."We are aware that several brands and retailers have already reached out to their Bangladeshi suppliers, expressing concern and, in some cases, discussing possible measures to mitigate the impact," Hossain wrote."We understand the urgency, but transferring the burden downstream to suppliers at this early stage will only exacerbate the stress," he added."We humbly request your patience and support during this period as Bangladesh pursues a meaningful resolution."But former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel said some buyers have already asked for shipments to be put on hold until further notice."In particular, smaller buyers are pressuring suppliers to either absorb the full tariff, or share the cost," Rubel told AFP. India’s Adani opens giant Sri Lanka container terminal (Agence France-Presse)
Agence France-Presse [4/7/2025 8:44 AM, Staff, 62527K]
India’s Adani Group said on Monday it had opened an $800 million container terminal in Sri Lanka, right next to a similar facility operated by a Chinese company.
The Adani development at Sri Lanka’s main seaport in Colombo is widely seen as a counter to the rival Chinese terminal and as a means for India to secure a foothold at the strategic facility.
The launch of the Adani-operated facility came a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a state visit to Sri Lanka during which he secured defence and energy deals with Colombo.
"The commencement of operations at CWIT (Colombo West International Terminal) marks a momentous milestone in regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka," billionaire chairman Gautam Adani, a key ally of Modi, said in a statement.Sri Lanka lies at a key halfway point along the main east-west international maritime route and Colombo is a major transhipment hub for South Asia.
The company said it had completed 600 metres (660 yards) out of a final 1,400-metre long berth with a depth of 20 metres that is able to handle the largest container ships.
"Not only does this terminal represent the future of trade in the Indian Ocean, but its opening is also a proud moment for Sri Lanka, placing it firmly on the global maritime map," Adani said.
The joint venture went ahead despite the Indian conglomerate withdrawing in December a request for a US government-backed $533 million loan for the construction.
The move followed an indictment in New York in November 2024, which accused the Adani Group of deliberately misleading international investors as part of a bribery scheme. Adani has denied any wrongdoing.
The other partners in the Adani port venture are Sri Lanka’s publicly listed John Keells Holdings and the state-owned Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
Construction began in early 2022, with the first phase featuring eight automated ship-to-shore cranes and 18 gantry cranes.
There were no public statements from either side during Modi’s visit about Adani’s withdrawal from another venture, a $442 million wind power project in the north of Sri Lanka.
That withdrawal followed a decision by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration to revoke a power purchase agreement with the Adani Group in order to negotiate lower energy prices.
Dissanayake´s party had strongly criticised the deal as "corrupt" and called for it to be renegotiated. Central Asia
Measuring impact of US tariffs on Central Asia and South Caucasus (EurasiaNet)
EurasiaNet [4/7/2025 4:14 PM, Staff, 57.6K]
Economic analysts in Central Asia and the Caucasus widely believe that the immediate impact of the US tariff policy on their respective countries’ exports will be limited. Even so, some worry about potential, unforeseen consequences arising out of a global trade war.
The Trump administration’s announcement of global tariffs on imports comes at a time when Central Asian states are coming together in an attempt to boost regional trade. The tariff announcement calls into question recent US expressions of interest in expanding trade and investment in the region. The mixed signals sent by Washington may well cause Central Asian leaders to think twice about realigning existing trade relationships with China and Russia to make way for a larger US and European Union shares of commerce.Kazakhstan presently has the largest trade turnover with the United States among Central Asian states, totaling $3.4 billion in 2024, of which $2.3 billion was Kazakh exports, according to the Office of US Trade Representative. Kazakhstan was also hit by a tariff of 27 percent, while all the other countries in Central Asia, and the Caucasus, were slapped with a 10 percent rate.
But according to a Kazakh Trade Ministry statement, US-bound exports comprise mostly crude oil, uranium, silver and other raw materials that are exempt from tariffs. In 2024, Kazakhstan only exported $95.2 million-worth of goods that will now be subjected to surcharges, a trifling figure within the context of the country’s overall foreign trade turnover of $141.4 billion. “Kazakhstan has nothing to worry about,” prominent economist Rasul Rysmambetov commented on Telegram. “Yes, if President Trump detonated a thermonuclear tariff bomb, somewhere we will be slightly hit by a shock wave, but this would be more of a psychological effect.”
The same dynamic holds for Central Asia’s other states. Uzbekistan, for example, exported just $42.4 million of goods to the United States in 2024 out of an overall foreign trade turnover of $66 billion. Kyrgyzstan had total trade turnover of $16 billion in 2024, but just $16.7 million in exports to the US. Tajikistan had total trade turnover of $8.9 billion, with exports to the US standing at a mere $4.6 million. Turkmenistan did not publish a total trade turnover figure, but annual turnover with China alone stood at $10.6 billion; goods exported to the US amounted to $14.6 million.
In the Caucasus, Georgia had the highest level of trade turnover with the United States in 2024, $1.9 billion, with US-bound exports totaling $165.4 million. Azerbaijan’s overall goods trade with the US stood at $412.9 million, $157.8 million of which were US-bound exports. Armenia’s turnover with the US was $282.4 million, exports accounting for $121.6 million of that total.
Since diamonds make up the bulk of Armenia’s exports to the US (around $110 million worth), the effect of the tariffs will be mostly limited to the jewelry industry, according to Armenian economist Suran Parsyan. “But at the moment, it is still too early to talk about how much this 10-percent tariff can affect diamond exporters, since many factors are in play,” Parsyan said.
Russia was exempted entirely from tariffs because, according to the White House, the United States has no “meaningful trade,” with Moscow. But according to US statistics, Russia has the largest goods trade with the US among Eurasian states, with Russian exports to the United States accounting for 86 percent of the $3.5 billion in bilateral trade turnover in 2024.
Yuliy Yusupov, an Uzbek economist who is affiliated with CAPS Unlock, an Almaty-based regional think tank, said that since the bulk of regional trade is with China, the EU and Russia, the imposition of US tariffs is unlikely to significantly disrupt local economies in the near term. But, he cautioned in an interview with a local news outlet, there is a big risk the Trump administration’s moves could spark a global economic crisis. “This would inevitably cause a drop in commodity prices, which our countries mainly trade, and a general decline in investment activity in our region,” he said.
Rysmambetov, the Kazakh economist, saw a possible silver lining for Kazakhstan in the US tariff announcement. “Those countries against which duties are introduced will look for new markets – and it is quite possible that Kazakhstan will receive more favorable offers for the prices of equipment, metals, transport means or building materials,” he said. “Of course, we cannot replace the US market, but compared to other countries in the CIS, our market [Kazakhstan] is attractive in price.” Central Asia-EU summit generates little momentum for expanded European role in region (EurasiaNet)
EurasiaNet [4/7/2025 4:14 PM, Staff, 57.6K]
Billed as a potentially transformative event that could supercharge the European Union’s emergence as a major regional player, the inaugural Central Asia-EU summit instead underwhelmed.
The two-day meeting April 3-4 in the Uzbek city of Samarkand produced no major announcements, just a lot of spin, trying to mask a lack of substantive progress with some stylish language. “I believe our relationship has not yet reached its full potential. Our partnership is a journey, not a destination. This summit marks the start of a new dimension in our relations, and it will not be a one-off,” an EU statement quoted European Council President António Costa as saying.
The main “deliverable” of the meeting, according to an EU press release, is a €12 billion assistance package, providing assistance for expanding trade transit routes, developing the mining sector, addressing water and climate issues and promoting digital connectivity. It is unclear whether this assistance package is intertwined in any way with €10 billion in development aid announced at the Global Gateway Investors Forum in early 2024. In addition, according to the press release, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is “working on a project pipeline of approximately €7-8 billion until 2027.” Details about the various assistance projects were scant.
The joint statement issued by Central Asian and EU leaders was mainly a 20-point recitation of aspirations and already established areas of joint interest. There was little in the document that could be seen as advancing specific projects.“Reaffirming our commitment to deeper cooperation in an evolving global and regional geopolitical landscape, we decided to upgrade relations between the European Union and Central Asia to a strategic partnership,” the statement’s first point proclaimed. It also noted a need to maintain momentum for a Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia, adopted in 2023.
Meanwhile, the summit host, Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was tentative in assessing the gathering.“I am convinced that our strategic partnership should be filled with concrete decisions, projects and programs,” the EU press release quoted Mirziyoyev as saying. “I would like to emphasize the importance of introducing mechanisms for the practical implementation of our initiatives and agreements.” Kazakh-Russian CPC Oil Exports via Black Sea Trimmed for April (Reuters)
Reuters [4/7/2025 8:18 PM, Staff, 9K]
Black Sea CPC Blend oil exports for April were revised down to 1.6 million barrels per day, or 6.2 million metric tons, from 1.7 million bpd in the preliminary plan, two sources said on Monday.
Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which exports Kazakhstan and Russia’s oil from the Black Sea, said last week it had halted operations at two of its terminal’s three mooring points. A Russian court ruled to fine the consortium but not to halt loading from those two mooring points.
The decision averted a potential fall in Kazakhstan’s oil production and supplies via the CPC, which accounts for around 80% of the country’s oil exports.
The revised loading plan has 5.8 million tons of Kazakhstan’s oil set for loading this month, unchanged from the initial plan, the sources said. The sources asked not to be identified as they are not authorized to speak to media.
As of Monday, loading continued from only one of three mooring points, the sources said.
The decline in loading is due to a fall in Russian oil exports via CPC, the sources said, as there will be no supplies from the oil depot in Krasnodar region, where there was a large fire in March after a drone attack.
Russian oil supply to CPC will come only from Lukoil’s Caspian oilfields, the sources said. They added the CPC Blend oil loading plan for April might be revised again before the month’s end, depending on output from large Kazakh oilfields, especially Tengiz.
A CPC pipeline spokesperson declined to comment.
Shareholders in the CPC include U.S. majors Chevron and Exxon Mobil, as well as the Russian state, Russian firm Lukoil, and Kazakh state company KazMunayGas. Tajikistan To Jail People For Illegal Electricity Use (Agence France-Presse)
Agence France-Presse [4/7/2025 8:09 AM, Staff, 62527K]
Tajikistan has introduced 10-year prison sentences for the illegal use of electricity, as a decades-long energy crisis caused by water shortages worsens in the poor Central Asian country.Electricity consumption in Tajikistan is limited for about six months per year, as its outdated energy infrastructure struggles to keep up with rising demand.The country’s energy and water resources ministry on Saturday announced measures to introduce "criminal liability for violations of regulations on the use of electricity".In a sign of how tightly the country controls the press and flow of information, it was only reported by independent media outlets on Monday.Under the new rules, anybody found trying to disconnect or bypass an electricity meter will face up to 10 years in prison.Ex-Soviet Tajikistan is ruled by President Emomali Rakhmon, a former state farm boss who has held power since 1992.Justice Minister Rustam Shoemurod said earlier in April that those who alter meter readings or bypass them to avoid payments are "seriously damaging the country’s economic interests".A shortage of water needed to fuel hydroelectric plants, which generate about 95 percent of electricity output in Tajikistan, has led to years of regular power outages.In March, Rakhmon said he was concerned about the irrational use of electricity in the Central Asian country, where the average salary is below $240.He is pushing the colossal Rogun hydro power plant as a possible solution to the power crisis.First envisioned in the 1970s under the Soviet Union, it was hit with setbacks due to the Soviet collapse and Tajik civil war in the 1990s.Rakhmon’s plan, revived in the 2000s, has been beset by ballooning costs -- estimated at more than $6 billion. Twitter
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Beth W. Bailey@BWBailey85
[4/7/2025 8:19 PM, 8.2K followers, 3 retweets, 19 likes]
For the entire 3.5 years I’ve been writing in conservative outlets about the failures of the Afghanistan withdrawal, the moral injury our veterans face post-withdrawal, and the absolutely broken visa and refugee processing systems meant to help our allies, I’ve gotten little to no resistance. Nothing has changed about the causes I write about over the last three months, but the hate I now receive has ratcheted up to a stunning degree. Supporting our allies is an American cause. So is standing up for our veterans. So is advocating for refugee and visa programs that protect us from insider threats and shining a spotlight on growing threats from terrorism overseas. Those are all things I stand for - as do volunteers and advocates from all sides of the aisle. I’m flabbergasted by the changing tides.
Jahanzeb Wesa@Jahanzeb_Wesa
[4/6/2025 6:36 AM, 5.8K followers, 140 retweets, 175 likes]
Urgent Request for Qadriya, Afghan Woman Being Stoned by Her Father! She says the Taliban plans to hand her over to her father, who will kill her. She was once condemned to stoning. Immediate action needed to save her. Raise your voice! #SaveQadriya #HumanRights #Afghanistan Pakistan
Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan@ForeignOfficePk[4/7/2025 11:00 AM, 481.3K followers, 59 retweets, 118 likes]
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, held a productive phone call with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio @SecRubio. Both sides discussed ways to enhance trade and investment, particularly in critical minerals. They also exchanged views on cooperation in counterterrorism and addressing regional challenges. Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact to discuss issues of mutual interest. The telephone call underscored the shared commitment to strengthening and deepening Pakistan-US relations.
Anas Mallick@AnasMallick
[4/8/2025 12:50 AM, 76.3K followers, 1 retweet, 8 likes]
Pakistan’s Foreign Sect @amnabaloch4 is all set to visit Bangladesh on 17April for Bilateral Political Dialogue which would be a first in 13years, followed by the visit of Pak Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 who will be in BD from 22nd till 24th April
Anas Mallick@AnasMallick
[4/7/2025 11:05 AM, 76.3K followers, 2 retweets, 15 likes]
2 and a half months since Pakistan’s Foreign Minister first wrote to new US Sect of State congratulating him on assuming office, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 today spoke to US Sect of State @SecRubio where the two spoke about US - Pak bilateral relations, trade, investment and countering terrorism.
Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office@amnestysasia
[4/7/2025 9:08 AM, 100.1K followers, 163 retweets, 249 likes]
Pakistan is going ahead with phase 2 of its ‘Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan’ to deport more than 800,000 Afghan Citizen Card holders. These are 800,000 lives upended and forced into harm’s way in Afghanistan, where they face grave threats in the form of gender persecution, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, torture and enforced disappearances of dissenting voices. We call on the Pakistan government to immediately withdraw its decision to deport Afghan refugees and asylum seekers and take corrective action in accordance with international human rights law. Read more: https://amnesty.org/en/documents/asa33/9217/2025/en #StopDeportations #UndoTheDeadline India
Narendra Modi@narendramodi
[4/8/2025 1:33 AM, 107.4M followers, 1.1K retweets, 5.3K likes]
Sharing my interview with Economic Times, where I elaborate on the life changing ability of Mudra Yojana and why it remains an important scheme in our quest for dignity and empowerment. #10YearsOfMUDRA. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/et-exclusive-mudra-npa-rate-among-worlds-lowest-for-segment-pm-modi/articleshow/120073057.cms?from=mdr
Narendra Modi@narendramodi
[4/7/2025 11:30 PM, 107.4M followers, 2.4K retweets, 9.2K likes] Mudra Yojana has given opportunities to countless people to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. Interacted with some of the beneficiaries of the scheme. Their journey is inspiring. #10YearsOfMUDRA
Narendra Modi@narendramodi
[4/7/2025 11:08 PM, 107.4M followers, 1.9K retweets, 12K likes]
To mark #10YearsOfMUDRA, I had invited Mudra beneficiaries from all over India to my residence. They shared fascinating insights on how this scheme has transformed their lives. Do watch the interaction in a short while from now, at 9 AM.
Narendra Modi@narendramodi
[4/7/2025 11:07 PM, 107.4M followers, 1.6K retweets, 5.4K likes]
Today, as we mark, #10YearsOfMUDRA, I would like to congratulate all those whose lives have been transformed thanks to this scheme. Over this decade, Mudra Yojana has turned several dreams into reality, empowering people who were previously overlooked with the financial support to shine. It illustrates that for the people of India, nothing is impossible!
Narendra Modi@narendramodi
[4/7/2025 11:07 PM, 107.4M followers, 380 retweets, 734 likes]
It is particularly heartening that half of the Mudra beneficiaries belong to SC, ST and OBC Communities, and over 70% of the beneficiaries are women! Every Mudra loan carries with it dignity, self-respect and opportunity. In addition to financial inclusion, this scheme has also ensured social inclusion and economic freedom.
Narendra Modi@narendramodi
[4/7/2025 11:07 PM, 107.4M followers, 354 retweets, 694 likes]
In the times to come, our Government will continue focusing on ensuring a robust ecosystem where every aspiring entrepreneur, has access to credit thus giving him or her the confidence and a chance to grow.
Narendra Modi@narendramodi
[4/7/2025 11:25 AM, 107.4M followers, 3.7K retweets, 22K likes]
At 8 AM on 9th April, a day before the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I will be attending a very unique programme with a distinctly global imprint - the Navkar Mahamantra Divas, which will be held at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi. People from over 100 nations will be in the programme, which will witness a global chant for peace, unity and spiritual awakening. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2119797
Narendra Modi@narendramodi
[4/7/2025 11:25 AM, 107.4M followers, 772 retweets, 2K likes]
As we all know, Navkar Mahamantra is among the most revered chants in Jainism, which emphasises the principles of spirituality, humility, brotherhood and non-violence. It is a means to calm and inner peace. The Navkar Mahamantra rises above all divisions and has a strong uniting ability. I look forward to the programme day after and I urge you all to take part, chant and celebrate the bonds that unite us!
Dr. S. Jaishankar@DrSJaishankar
[4/7/2025 10:03 AM, 3.4M followers, 757 retweets, 3.9K likes]
Good to speak with @SecRubio today. Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean. Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement. Look forward to remaining in touch.
Rahul Gandhi@RahulGandhi
[4/7/2025 6:20 AM, 27.7M followers, 5.2K retweets, 19K likes]
Trump has blown the lid off the illusion. Reality is biting back. PM Modi is nowhere to be seen. India has to accept reality. We have no choice but to build a resilient, production-based economy that works for all Indians.
Rahul Gandhi@RahulGandhi
[4/8/2025 1:14 AM, 27.7M followers, 1.7K retweets, 5.1K likes]
In the Budget Session of Parliament, Congress-led Standing Committees made several suggestions to improve the lives of Indians. The Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Charanjit Singh Channi ji, expanded on its previous call for a legal MSP and recommended additional compensation for stubble collection, along with a number of key protections for farmers and fishermen. Under Saptagiri Ulaka ji, the Rural Development Committee advocated for the expansion and strengthening of MNREGA, urging the removal of unnecessary obstacles. The Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, led by Digvijaya Singh ji, called for recruiting more teachers, reforms to end paper leaks and higher and timely-paid honorariums for Anganwadi workers. Meanwhile, the External Affairs Committee, chaired by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, emphasised the need for safeguards for Indian migrant workers abroad. These are just a few examples of the Congress Party’s commitment to people’s welfare. Even while in Opposition, we will continue to use every democratic institution to fight for the rights and well-being of the people of India. NSB
Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh@ChiefAdviserGoB
[4/8/2025 3:09 AM, 138.7K followers, 9 retweets, 88 likes]
Pauline Ngan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Mainland Headwear Holdings Limited , leads a delegation of Chinese investors during a meeting with Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday.
Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh@ChiefAdviserGoB
[4/7/2025 11:53 PM, 138.7K followers, 82 retweets, 596 likes]
Statement DHAKA, April 8: Bangladesh police have swiftly moved to take action over the violent and unlawful events that unfolded during the Pro-Gaza protests in several cities on Monday. These attacks and acts of vandalism are an affront to public safety and the rule of law. As of now, at least 49 individuals have been arrested in connection with these incidents. The police have acted swiftly, and two cases have been formally filed. Further investigations are underway, and additional cases are in the process of being filed against those responsible for these reprehensible acts. In a determined effort to bring those accountable to justice, police conducted raids last night targeting the perpetrators. Additionally, our law enforcement agencies are diligently reviewing video footage captured during the protests to identify more individuals involved. These operations will continue until all those responsible for this violence and destruction are apprehended. We urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to come forward. Together, we can ensure that those who seek to undermine the peace and stability of our society are held accountable.
Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh@ChiefAdviserGoB
[4/7/2025 12:19 PM, 138.7K followers, 179 retweets, 1.1K likes]
Statement DHAKA, 7 April: The Inspector General of Police, Baharul Alam, has instructed police officers to arrest the individuals responsible for vandalising shops and businesses in Sylhet and several other cities across the country. "We have video footage of the attackers. They are being identified and will be arrested immediately. Police teams are currently working on this," said IG Alam. "The government does not impede any lawful protests. However, we will not tolerate any criminal acts under the guise of protest.” Comments from BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun: “At a time when we are hosting a summit to showcase Bangladesh as an investment destination, it is unfortunate to see our countrymen setting such deplorable examples. A lot of these businesses were local investors, some of them were foreigners who believed in Bangladesh. They all offered employment opportunities to our youth. Those who have committed these heinous acts of vandalism are true enemies of job creation, economic growth, and stability.”
Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh@ChiefAdviserGoB
[4/7/2025 9:13 AM, 138.7K followers, 115 retweets, 1K likes]
Statement DHAKA, April 7: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has addressed a letter to US President Donald J. Trump requesting him to postpone the application of US reciprocal tariff measures on Bangladesh for three months to allow the interim government to smoothly implement its initiative to substantially increase US exports to Bangladesh. "We are the first country to take such a pro-active initiative", he said in his letter, citing the visit of High Representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman to Washington DC in February. Ever since, the two sides have been working closely to identify specific actions. Bangladesh is also the first country to enter into a multi-year agreement to import liquified natural gas from the US. The centerpiece of Bangladesh’s actions is to significantly increase imports of US agricultural products such as cotton, wheat, corn and soybean which will offer benefits to US farmers. Bangladesh has the lowest tariff on most US exports in the South Asian region. The Chief Adviser indicated further tariff cuts on US products are being fashioned, including top US export items such as gas turbines, semiconductors and medical equipment. Bangladesh will build dedicated duty free bonded warehouses for cotton to improve speed to market. "We are eliminating certain testing requirements, rationalizing packaging, labelling and certification requirements and undertaking trade facilitation measures such as simplifying customs procedures and standards," the Chief Adviser added. "Bangladesh will take all necessary actions to fully support your trade agenda", Professor Yunus assured President Trump. A separate letter detailing the actions by Bangladesh will be sent by the Commerce Adviser to the US Trade Representative soon.
Tshering Tobgay@tsheringtobgay
[4/7/2025 1:28 PM, 102.7K followers, 1 retweet, 23 likes]
Pleasure meeting H.E. @AmbMunu Additional Secy (North) of MEA, India, & delegation. Expressed my gratitude to the Government & people of India for their enduring friendship & partnership. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthening BT-IN cooperation.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake@anuradisanayake
[4/7/2025 1:34 PM, 149K followers, 4 retweets, 113 likes]
Today, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the ‘Outcome is clear - Victory is ours!’ public rally in Galle. Your presence and support have been vital in uniting our community and reinforcing our collective journey toward progress and renewal. Together, we stand for a brighter future!
Anura Kumara Dissanayake@anuradisanayake
[4/7/2025 5:04 AM, 149K followers, 20 retweets, 201 likes]
I received the preliminary report of the Census of Population and Housing 2024 today. This data, collected islandwide using tablets & mobile devices for the first time, will guide Sri Lanka’s future development policies.
Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office@amnestysasia
[4/7/2025 4:39 AM, 100.1K followers, 1 retweet, 3 likes]
@amnesty sent a letter to the Minister of Justice and National Integration following a meeting with the Secretary General @AgnesCallamard and team from Amnesty International in March 2025. In the spirit of engagement to support the upholding of Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations, Amnesty International’s letter flags a non-exhaustive list of recommendations and priority measures that, if implemented faithfully, may address some of the concerns around credibility of the domestic criminal justice system and post-war reconciliation efforts.
Namal Rajapaksa@RajapaksaNamal
[4/8/2025 3:24 AM, 436.6K followers, 4 likes]
As countries and their economies face fresh challenges amid global shifts, national security, regional stability, and development remain crucial for nations like India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives — with India playing a leading role in the Indian Ocean. At the #RisingBharatSummit2025 in New Delhi, I underlined the importance of our region adapting to emerging trade and business opportunities, calling for new partnerships between nations and businesses. @News18India @palkisu Central Asia
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Press-service@president_uz[4/7/2025 2:29 PM, 215.5K followers, 2 retweets, 8 likes]
President Shavkat #Mirziyoyev received the @IPUparliament delegation, including @IPUPresident @TuliaAckson and Secretary General @MartinChungong. They discussed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering peace, promoting "green" development, and advancing artificial intelligence, along with the importance of increasing women’s and youth participation in parliamentary work. Moreover the President awarded Martin Chungong the #Dustlik Order for his significant contribution to promoting parliamentary diplomacy.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Press-service@president_uz
[4/7/2025 1:48 PM, 215.5K followers, 8 retweets, 14 likes]
President Shavkat #Mirziyoyev met with the @UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on @UN_EndViolence Najat Maalla. They discussed strengthening partnerships for children’s rights, developing international legal instruments, improving national legislation, and enhancing institutions for child protection. Sides also addressed organizing a regional conference in Tashkent on violence prevention and a roundtable at the UN to share #Uzbekistan’s practical experience.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Press-service@president_uz
[4/7/2025 11:45 AM, 215.5K followers, 6 retweets, 10 likes]
On the sidelines of the event in #Tashkent, President Shavkat #Mirziyoyev met with the Speaker of the India’s @LokSabhaSectt @ombirlakota . They reviewed current state of bilateral relations highlighting the need for closer inter-parliamentary exchanges and inter-agency interaction, creating friendship groups and youth platforms, and utilizing the potential of the regions of both countries.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Press-service@president_uz
[4/7/2025 10:52 AM, 215.5K followers, 2 retweets, 6 likes]
President Shavkat #Mirziyoyev met with the Chairman of the #Pakistan’s Senate Yusuf Raza Gilani.Key topics included accelerating trade, investment, transport projects, promoting the Trans-Afghan corridor, and expanding interregional cooperation and humanitarian exchanges.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Press-service@president_uz
[4/7/2025 9:09 AM, 215.5K followers, 13 retweets, 52 likes]
On the sidelines of the event, President Shavkat #Mirziyoyev met with parliamentary leaders of #Kazakhstan, #Kyrgyzstan, #Tajikistan and #Turkmenistan. Sides praised the outcomes of the first “Central Asia-European Union” summit and the Climate Forum held recently in Samarkand, as well as historic border agreements. Discussions focused on boosting parliamentary dialogue, advancing joint initiatives, and expanding regional cooperation and humanitarian exchange.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Press-service@president_uz
[4/7/2025 6:53 AM, 215.5K followers, 9 retweets, 30 likes]
On the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, President Shavkat #Mirziyoyev met with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairman of Russia’s Federation Council, who conveyed greetings from President Vladimir Putin. They discussed deepening bilateral relations, implementing high-level agreements with parliamentary oversight, and strengthening trade and economic cooperation.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Press-service@president_uz
[4/7/2025 5:47 AM, 215.5K followers, 9 retweets, 30 likes]
President Shavkat #Mirziyoyev opened the 150th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, attended by over 2,000 delegates from nearly 140 countries and marking the first time the event is held in Central Asia. In his address, he highlighted priorities for inter-parliamentary cooperation, including climate change, women’s rights, creating a Global Platform for Youth Parliaments, social protection, and establishing an AI ethics framework.
Saida Mirziyoyeva@SMirziyoyeva
[4/7/2025 8:26 AM, 22K followers, 1 retweet, 29 likes]
Last year in Takhiyatosh, we saw a rundown clinic and doctors doing their best with little. I knew it had to change. Thanks to Samarkand entrepreneur Zafar Suyunovich Turayev, a new 200-capacity, high-tech clinic now stands in its place. Grateful beyond words.
Saida Mirziyoyeva@SMirziyoyeva
[4/7/2025 11:15 AM, 22K followers, 2 retweets, 36 likes]
Today, on the sidelines of the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, I met with Valentina Matvienko, Chair of the Federation Council of Russia. Appreciated the warm and open conversation. It’s always a pleasure to discuss friendship and cooperation. Welcome to Uzbekistan!{End of Report} To subscribe to the SCA Morning Press Clips, please email SCA-PressOfficers@state.gov. Please do not reply directly to this email.