Diplomacy

UN Bypasses US Visa Ban, Allows Abbas to Address General Assembly by Video

The UN General Assembly voted 152-3 to allow Mahmoud Abbas to address world leaders by video after the US denied him a visa for a second year. The decision does not overturn Washington’s ban, but ensures the Palestinian president can still participate in the annual UN debate.

India Warns US Russia Sanctions Bill Could Hurt Bilateral Ties

India says it will take all necessary steps to protect its trade, economic and energy interests after the US Congress cleared a sanctions bill allowing tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. The measure now awaits President Trump’s signature.

Argentina Judge Moves to Stop Major Oil Project Near Falkland Islands

An Argentine federal judge has ordered Navitas Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration to halt work on the Sea Lion oil project near the Falkland Islands. The ruling cites environmental and sovereignty concerns, but enforcement remains uncertain because Argentina does not control the territory.

Trump Warns EU of Trade Retaliation Over Canada Membership Plan

Donald Trump has threatened the EU with heavy tariffs and possible trade restrictions if Brussels moves ahead with plans for closer association with Canada. He called the proposal a potential “hostile act”, raising fresh uncertainty around the $1.6 trillion US-EU trade relationship.

EU Calls China Trade Deficit “Unsustainable” and Warns of Tougher Action

The EU has declared its trade deficit with China “unsustainable” after the gap reached €359.8 billion in 2025. Brussels says Chinese overcapacity, weak European exports and dependence on critical supply chains are now forcing it to consider tougher trade and industrial measures.

The Art of Wrecking a Relationship: How Trump Turned Canada Into a Wary Ally

Trump’s approach to Canada has done more than deepen a trade dispute. It has changed how many Canadians see the United States, and pushed Ottawa to think more seriously about reducing its dependence on its closest neighbour.

New Zealand Parliament Approves Landmark Free-Trade Deal With India

New Zealand’s Parliament has approved legislation implementing its landmark FTA with India. Once the deal enters into force, all Indian exports to New Zealand will receive duty-free access, while tariffs will be cut or removed on around 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India.

India Faces New 100% Tariff Threat in US Russia Sanctions Bill

A US House amendment has explicitly named India among countries that could face tariffs of up to 100% over purchases of Russian energy. The duties have not been imposed, and a rival amendment would remove the tariff power entirely, but Washington’s pressure on New Delhi is clearly rising.

India Wins Wider Access to EU Steel Market Under Landmark Trade Deal

India has secured substantially wider access to Europe's protected steel market, with annual quotas reaching 1.64 million tonnes under the India-EU trade framework. But a major obstacle remains: Indian steel will still face the EU's carbon border levy.

India and Philippines Take Their Defence Partnership to the Next Level

India and the Philippines are moving beyond the BrahMos missile deal. From military training and maritime security to defence production and technology, the two countries are building a much wider strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.

India Helps Bridge Iran-UAE Divide as BRICS Secures Rare Consensus

India helped bring Iran and the UAE to the same table at BRICS after months of tensions. Nearly 100 hours of diplomacy helped the two countries agree on a joint declaration and reopen direct talks.

India Pushes BRICS Towards a New Digital Payments Network

India wants BRICS countries to link their central-bank digital currencies and payment systems, making cross-border trade faster and cheaper. It is not a common BRICS currency, but over time the network could make it easier for members to trade without relying on the dollar for every transaction.