Diplomacy

North Korea Challenges Seoul Over Nuclear Weapons as Rivals Clash at UN

North Korea has challenged Seoul over its reliance on American nuclear deterrence during a heated UN exchange. The confrontation follows a disputed landmine explosion, renewed border fortifications and South Korea’s unsuccessful attempts to reopen military dialogue.

Kim Jong Un Crosses Newly Opened China Bridge as Beijing and Pyongyang Deepen Ties

Kim Jong Un crossed the newly opened Yalu River Bridge into China on October 24, meeting senior Chinese leader Wang Huning in Dandong. The visit highlights renewed efforts to strengthen China–North Korea trade and political cooperation after years of delays at the border.

Egypt Pushes Yemen Talks as Parliament Weighs Saudi Military Support

Egypt is pressing for a political settlement in Yemen while preparing for a parliamentary vote on military support for Saudi Arabia. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi says any assistance would be defensive, as Cairo seeks Houthi withdrawal from territory near Bab el-Mandeb.

Japanese Envoy Meets Myanmar’s Military Leader Amid Renewed Diplomatic Contacts

Japanese peace envoy Yohei Sasakawa has met Myanmar’s military-backed president, Min Aung Hlaing, to discuss peace negotiations and development assistance. The visit comes amid renewed international engagement with Myanmar, despite Japan's refusal to recognise its military-backed government.

Rubio's India Visit Tests Washington's New Approach to Russian Oil

Marco Rubio arrives in India as Washington and New Delhi move closer to a trade agreement. Trump's decision to waive new tariffs on Russian oil buyers has eased a major source of tension, but questions remain over India's energy purchases and future US trade restrictions.

India and US Confirm Jaishankar-Rubio Talks for October 20

India and the US have confirmed an October 20 meeting between S Jaishankar and Marco Rubio in Mumbai. Trade, energy and investment will accompany discussions on defence, technology and the wider strategic partnership.

Trump Reopens Door to Kim Jong Un as Asia Trip Nears

Trump has again raised the prospect of meeting Kim Jong Un during his November Asia trip. Another summit could reopen diplomacy, but Pyongyang now rejects denuclearisation as a condition for talks and enters any negotiation from a stronger position.

India and Canada Deepen Cooperation Against Crime and Terrorism

India and Canada will deepen cooperation against organised crime, terrorism, trafficking, cybercrime and extortion as security ties recover from a damaging diplomatic rupture.

Russia Hosts Taliban and Regional Powers for Afghanistan Talks

Russia brought the Taliban, India, China, Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian states together for Afghanistan talks. The meeting advanced regional engagement but ended without a joint statement after Kabul and Islamabad clashed over terrorism and cross-border attacks.

Britain May Expel 27 Israeli Diplomats in Consulate Row

Britain could expel about 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes the UK Consulate in East Jerusalem on October 8. The threatened one-for-one response follows a deepening dispute over Britain’s restrictions on trade involving Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

India and Switzerland Sign Five Agreements as Defence and Nuclear Talks Expand

India and Switzerland signed five agreements covering mobility, transport, research and start-ups as Modi and Guy Parmelin opened talks on defence production, military exchanges and nuclear cooperation. The visit builds on the India-EFTA trade pact and its major investment target.

Ukraine Calls India’s Peace Plan the Most Comprehensive Proposal Received

Ukraine has described India’s proposal for ending the war with Russia as the most comprehensive of four initiatives under consideration. Kyiv says New Delhi has signalled a willingness to play an active role for the first time, while Putin has praised Modi’s ideas.