English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Latest world news

India a critical anchor to maintain balance of power in regional security, says top US official

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, top US official Pete Hegseth praised India as a critical anchor holding the line in South Asia, noting its heavy industrial capacity to sustain high-end military operations.

Published

on

In a major statement highlighting the growing strategic alignment between Washington and New Delhi, top US official Pete Hegseth described India as a critical pillar of regional stability. Speaking on the second day of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth noted that New Delhi’s ongoing military modernisation directly serves the shared objective of preserving a balance of power across the Indo-Pacific.

“In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line,” the top official said while addressing delegates from 44 nations. “A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region.”

Growing logistics and maritime capabilities

The US administration heavily praised New Delhi’s defence industrial advancements, particularly highlighting its expanding operations in the Indian Ocean region. According to media reports, the official observed that India is modernising its armed forces to carry its share of the security burden in these crucial maritime corridors.

Furthermore, the official emphasized that New Delhi is successfully building out a heavy industrial and logistics capacity capable of sustaining high-end military operations. This expanding domestic infrastructure includes the ability to repair and maintain shared defence platforms, as well as supporting allied naval vessels operating forward in the regional theatre.

Strategic co-production and regional readiness

The partnership between the two nations is translating into tangible operational steps. The official revealed that Washington has firmly committed to pursuing joint production initiatives with New Delhi. Among these initiatives is the co-production of advanced capabilities, including Javelin anti-tank guided munitions, aimed at improving the collective readiness of their forces.

“This kind of industrial muscle isn’t just a long-term goal, it’s an immediate operational imperative,” the official stated, linking New Delhi’s defence manufacturing strength to a broader collective strategy.

Global defense spending and alliance priorities

The address also outlined Washington’s massive domestic military manufacturing mobilisation under President Donald Trump. Following a defence expenditure of USD 1 trillion last year, plans are underway for a historic generational investment of USD 1.5 trillion this year to expand military dominance and weaponry production at scale and speed.

While noting that relations between Washington and Beijing are currently better than they have been in many years, the official maintained that no state can be allowed to impose hegemony or compromise regional security.

Calling upon global partners to match this resolve, the administration indicated it expects allies to hit a defence spending target of 3.5 per cent of their GDP. Moving forward, Washington intends to prioritize and fast-track cooperation with “model allies”—defined as nations that are capable, clear-eyed, and ready to stand up for their national interests.

Latest world news

India, Canada discuss trade pact to boost bilateral commerce

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at expanding trade, investment and market access between the two countries.

Published

on

India canada trade pacts

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed trade agreement as the two countries seek to strengthen their economic and commercial ties.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, who is leading a Canadian delegation to India. The discussions focused on advancing negotiations for the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The proposed pact is aimed at creating greater market access and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.

India-Canada CEPA talks

Both sides discussed the importance of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that can make use of the complementary strengths of the two economies.

The discussions also focused on deepening commercial engagement and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Goyal said the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking the India-Canada economic partnership to a higher level, with CEPA serving as a catalyst for deeper commercial engagement.

India and Canada are working towards concluding the CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.

India-Canada trade

The proposed CEPA is aimed at improving market access and creating opportunities across sectors while strengthening the broader economic relationship between India and Canada.

The agreement is expected to provide greater opportunities for businesses in both countries and support deeper trade and investment ties.

Continue Reading

Latest world news

White House put on temporary lockdown after car crashes into signpost

The White House was temporarily placed under lockdown after a car crashed into a signpost near Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. The driver was detained after a confrontation with security personnel.

Published

on

The White House was placed under a temporary lockdown on Monday after a car crashed into a signpost at Lafayette Square near the presidential residence in Washington, DC.

The incident triggered a security response in the area, with the US Secret Service directing members of the White House press corps to move indoors and remain there temporarily.

Driver detained after confrontation with security personnel

The driver was detained following a confrontation with Secret Service officers and National Guard personnel, according to reports.

Video footage showed a silver sedan on the paved area at the northern end of Lafayette Square after striking a signpost. Smoke was also seen coming from the vehicle.

Authorities had not immediately disclosed the driver’s identity or established what led to the crash.

White House security restrictions imposed

The security response prompted temporary restrictions around the White House. The incident occurred at Lafayette Square, which is directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the presidential complex.

At around 10 am local time, Secret Service personnel instructed White House journalists to move indoors while security personnel dealt with the incident.

The White House was under the security restriction while President Donald Trump was at the premises, according to reports.

Motive behind crash remains unclear

It was not immediately known whether the crash was accidental or deliberate. Authorities had also not immediately confirmed whether anyone was injured.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the driver’s identity and possible motive, remained under investigation.

Continue Reading

Football news

Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal after 234 appearances and 146 goals.

Published

on

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year career with Portugal towards an end.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt of the national team after the November international break. Ronaldo made the announcement in a video message shared on social media.

The decision marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in men’s football. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records at international level.

Ronaldo’s Portugal career comes to an end

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to represent the country across more than two decades.

He helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He was also part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo’s international career also included six World Cup appearances. His final World Cup came in 2026, when Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16.

Ronaldo reflects on 23 years with Portugal

Announcing his decision, Ronaldo said it was not an easy choice and described his time representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility.

He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, as well as the teammates, coaches and staff who were part of his international journey.

Ronaldo also said that Portugal would always remain a part of him.

Record-breaking international career

Ronaldo leaves the Portugal setup as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer and the player with the most international appearances.

His 146 goals came across 234 appearances for Portugal. He also became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature at six World Cups.

His international career included major individual records as well as team honours, making his departure one of the biggest moments in modern international football.

What happens next

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after he said he would hand back Portugal’s No. 7 shirt following the November international break.

Portugal have Nations League fixtures during the November window, but Ronaldo’s announcement means his international career is now set to conclude after that break.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com