US President Donald Trump reportedly dismissed a proposal by Vice President JD Vance to involve Indian troops in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, according to a newly released book detailing internal White House discussions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The revelation appears in “Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump”, authored by journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The book claims that the discussion took place during an Oval Office meeting held shortly after Trump’s return to the White House, when senior officials were considering options to end the war in Ukraine.

Vance suggested India and Saudi Arabia

According to the book, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, presented a peace proposal that included deploying foreign troops to monitor a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Initial plans reportedly considered personnel from European countries, including France, Britain and the Netherlands.

However, Vance is said to have raised concerns over deploying troops from NATO countries, arguing that such a move could escalate tensions with Russia. He then reportedly suggested that countries outside Europe, such as India and Saudi Arabia, could contribute troops for the mission.

Trump’s reported response

The book claims Trump laughed off the suggestion and responded by saying, “The Indians won’t do that,” adding that India would not be willing to bear the costs associated with such a deployment. The authors further state that Trump remarked on his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi while expressing doubts about India’s participation.

There has been no official response from the Indian government regarding the claims mentioned in the book.

The reported exchange comes amid ongoing international efforts to secure a ceasefire and find a diplomatic solution to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war. Several proposals involving multinational peacekeeping arrangements have been discussed in recent years, though no agreement has yet been reached.

In a significant challenge to President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, the US Senate has approved legislation directing the administration to halt military action against Iran, reflecting growing concern in Congress over the conflict.

The Senate passed the war powers resolution by a narrow 50-48 vote on Tuesday. The measure, which had already cleared the House of Representatives earlier this month, seeks to require congressional approval for any further military hostilities against Iran, except in cases involving self-defence or imminent threats.

The vote marked a rare instance of bipartisan opposition to Trump, with four Republican senators joining Democrats in backing the resolution. Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against the measure, while two Republican senators were absent during the voting process.

Growing unease over Iran conflict

The resolution highlights increasing unease among lawmakers over the conflict with Iran, which began in February. Several members of Congress have argued that prolonged military engagement should not continue without explicit authorisation from lawmakers, citing Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war.

Although the Senate’s action represents a political setback for Trump, its practical impact remains uncertain. The White House has maintained that such resolutions are unconstitutional and has argued that the president retains broad authority over military operations. Legal experts also note that enforcing the measure could ultimately require judicial intervention.

The latest vote comes amid wider debate in Washington over the extent of presidential war powers and congressional oversight during overseas military engagements.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party and leave office within weeks, ending a turbulent tenure that lasted less than two years.

Starmer said he would remain as caretaker prime minister until the Labour Party elects a new leader, with the transition expected to be completed before Parliament returns in September. The announcement came after increasing pressure from within his party amid falling popularity and growing concerns over Labour’s political fortunes.

Pressure within Labour intensifies

The resignation follows days of speculation over Starmer’s future after former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham emerged as a strong challenger within the party. Burnham’s recent victory in a special parliamentary election intensified calls for a leadership change and added to the pressure on Starmer to step aside.

Starmer led Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, bringing the party back to power after 14 years in opposition. However, his government’s popularity declined sharply over the past year as Labour struggled in opinion polls and local elections.

Emotional announcement outside Downing Street

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, an emotional Starmer said every major decision he had taken had been guided by what he believed was best for the country. He also said he now wanted to spend more time with his family while ensuring a smooth transfer of power.

His departure makes him the sixth British prime minister in the past decade to leave office before completing a full term, highlighting continued political instability in the United Kingdom.

The Labour Party is expected to begin the process of choosing its next leader in the coming weeks, with Andy Burnham widely seen as a leading contender.