Union Home Minister Amit Shah held talks with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi on Thursday, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen cooperation on security-related issues, including counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics efforts and border security. The meeting came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.

According to statements shared by both leaders after the meeting, discussions focused on enhancing collaboration to combat terrorism, curb narcotics trafficking, strengthen border management and improve efforts to bring criminals to justice in both countries.

Shah said the two sides had a detailed discussion on expanding India-US cooperation in the security domain, particularly in counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics initiatives. He also reiterated India’s commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Meeting follows high-level engagement at G7 summit

The interaction took place shortly after the Modi-Trump bilateral meeting during the G7 Summit in France, where the leaders discussed trade, regional security, economic cooperation and other strategic issues. They also reviewed progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation.

Following his return from France, Gor described the Modi-Trump engagement as productive and highlighted positive outcomes for India-US relations. He said the two leaders held substantive discussions on trade, regional security and strengthening economic ties.

The latest meeting between Shah and Gor underscores continued high-level engagement between New Delhi and Washington on security and strategic matters as both countries seek to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

BJP-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani secured a Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand on Thursday, with reports indicating that cross-voting played a key role in the closely watched election. The second seat was won by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Baidyanath Ram.

The election witnessed a three-cornered contest for two Rajya Sabha seats. Alongside Nathwani and Baidyanath Ram, Congress candidate Pranav Jha was also in the fray. Political observers had been closely tracking the possibility of cross-voting in the state, given the numerical strength of various parties in the Jharkhand Assembly.

Cross-voting speculation dominated the contest

Ahead of voting, both the ruling INDIA bloc and the NDA had taken measures to keep their legislators together amid concerns over possible defections and cross-voting. Political discussions in the state largely revolved around whether legislators would vote along party lines or support candidates outside their alliances.

Nathwani’s victory is being linked to support from legislators beyond the NDA’s expected vote base. Reports after the counting suggested that cross-voting may have influenced the final outcome, helping the BJP-backed candidate secure the required support.

The result comes as another example of cross-voting influencing Rajya Sabha elections, a trend that has been discussed in several states during recent Upper House contests.

Congress candidate misses out

While JMM’s Baidyanath Ram and BJP-backed Parimal Nathwani emerged victorious, Congress nominee Pranav Jha failed to secure one of the two available seats. The outcome is likely to trigger political debate over voting patterns within the state assembly and the extent of cross-voting during the election.

The memorandum of understanding sets out a roadmap for restoring maritime trade, advancing nuclear negotiations and supporting Iran’s economic recovery through a proposed reconstruction fund.

The United States has released the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran, laying out the framework for ending months of conflict and opening the door to broader negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme and economic future. The agreement includes commitments on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a pledge from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, and the creation of a proposed $300 billion reconstruction and development fund.

According to the released text, Iran has agreed to ensure the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes. The US, in turn, has committed to lifting its naval blockade and refraining from imposing new sanctions during a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a broader and more comprehensive agreement.

Hormuz reopening central to agreement

A major component of the deal focuses on restoring maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The memorandum calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to safe commercial navigation, a move expected to ease concerns in global energy markets after months of disruption.

The agreement also outlines cooperation between both sides to reduce tensions in the region and maintain freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

Iran reiterates no-nuclear weapons commitment

The released document states that Iran has reaffirmed its commitment not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. It also provides for cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and further discussions on the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles as part of upcoming negotiations.

While the MoU establishes broad principles, several key nuclear issues are expected to be addressed during the 60-day negotiation process that follows the signing of the framework agreement.

$300 billion reconstruction fund proposed

One of the most significant economic elements of the agreement is a proposed $300 billion Reconstruction and Development Fund intended to support Iran’s recovery and investment needs. US officials have said the fund would be financed by private-sector investors and international partners rather than American taxpayers.

Officials have also stressed that access to the fund and broader economic benefits would depend on Iran meeting its commitments under the agreement, including compliance with nuclear-related obligations.

Next phase of negotiations

The memorandum establishes a 60-day period for negotiations on a final agreement covering sanctions, nuclear issues and broader regional security concerns. Both countries have pledged to avoid escalation during this period while working toward a longer-term settlement.

The deal is being viewed as an important step toward reducing tensions in the Middle East, though significant negotiations remain before a permanent agreement can be reached.