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US supports Defense cooperation with India, punishes Pakistan

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US supports Defense cooperation with India, punishes Pakistan

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]House of Representatives passes amendments in NDAA-2018

The US political leaders across their affiliation are growingly turning in favor of India and expressing their displeasure with Pakistan for its alleged ongoing support to the terrorist groups involved in trans-border activities. On Friday, the US House of Representatives (lower house) has passed a 621.5 billion dollar defense expenditure bill to advance defense cooperation with India.

At the same time, the House voted for three legislative amendments to impose tougher conditions for reimbursement of defense funding to Pakistan, 400 million dollars, making it conditional to Islamabad showing “satisfactory progress” in fight against terrorism.

Islamabad is also criticised for persecution of minorities seeking political and religious freedom and imprisonment of  Shakil Afridi, a physician who helped in locating Osama bin-Laden before he was shot in Abbotabad in May 2011.

India related recommendations were incorporated in National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2018, while amendments imposing tougher sanctions for reimbursement of defense funding to Pakistan would be implemented in retrospect for the period of NDAA-2017.

The India related amendment was moved by Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera and was adopted by a voice vote by the House with 344 in favor and 81 against the proposal. Now it requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with Secretary of State to develop a strategy for advancing defense cooperation between US and India.

Ami Bera, while supporting the India related amendment said, “The US is the world’s oldest democracy and India is the world’s largest democracy. It is vitally important to develop a strategy that advances defense cooperation between the two countries.”

After the amendment was passed, Bera was quoted saying, “I am grateful this amendment passed and look forward to the Defense Department’s strategy that addresses critical issues like common security challenges, the role of partners and allies, and areas for collaboration in science and technology.”

He specifically mentioned about how it was useful for US defense in the region. He said, “Cooperation between US and India enhances our own defense and our ability to meet the evolving security challenges of the 21st century.”

According to US law, Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State have to develop strategy for advancing defense cooperation between the two countries within 180 days. It needs to be passed by the Senate before sending to President Donald Trump to sign into law.

The previous NDAA-2017 had designated India as a major defense partner which brings India at par with closest American partners in terms of defense trade and technology transfer.

Cara Abercrombie, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, on Thursday, said that India and US Defense relationship is on positive track. She reportedly said “… [As] we look at the global order, and when we look at the evolving security environment within Asia, India’s rise and role [is] evolving, [and] we see the United States and India increasingly viewing the region in the same way and our interests are very much aligned.”

While addressing a New York gathering she said, “This is all rooted in when we look at the region and [what] we share. We have the same [aerial] security interests, the same counter-proliferation, counter-piracy, and counter- terrorism [interests].”

Alongside, the House of Representatives, voted for three legislative amendments to impose tougher sanctions for reimbursement of 400 million dollars defense funding to Pakistan. The conditions are reportedly imposed because of the Islamabad’s alleged ongoing support to terrorists and terror outfits, about which several top US officials and lawmakers have repeatedly expressed concern in the past.

Following the passage of the amendments by the House of Representatives to the NDAA-2018, Secretary of Defense has to certify that Islamabad was maintaining security along the Ground Lines of communication through Pakistan, taking demonstrable steps to support counterterrorism operations, disrupting cross border attacks and countering the threat of improvised explosive devices. He has to certify that Pakistan continues to conduct military operations against the Haqqani Network in North Waziristan in coordination with Afghanistan government.

The Pakistan related amendments will negatively affect Pakistan retrospectively.  The amendment specifies that the total reimbursement and support authorised for Pakistan during the period beginning on October 1, 2017, and ending on December 31, 2018, 400 million dollars, would not be eligible for national security waiver.

The Pakistan related amendments were moved by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and Ted Poe, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of Subcommittee on Terrorism, Non-proliferation and Trade.  Poe was quoted as saying, “Today, Congress took a step forward to end Pakistan’s betrayal of the US with the addition of an additional certification requirement.”

US has also raised the issue of persecution of minority groups seeking political and religious freedom and imprisonment of Shakil Afridi, a physician who helped locating Osama bin Laden before he was finally killed in Abbotabad. The amendment said that Afridi was a hero to whom the people of US, Pakistan and world owe a debt of gratitude for the help.

In April this year, US national Security Advisor Lieutenant General HR McMaster visited New Delhi to pick up strings of defense and security ties that had blossomed during Barack Obama administration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to US recently and developed close chemistry with US President Donald Trump. Defense cooperation also figured during the 5-hour engagement at White House.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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PM Modi arrives in France for G7 Summit 2026, Trump meeting scheduled on Wednesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in France for the G7 Summit 2026. A bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump is expected during the summit as leaders discuss major global economic and security challenges.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Évian, France, on Tuesday to participate in the G7 Summit 2026, marking the final leg of his two-nation Europe visit. World leaders have gathered in the French town for discussions on major global challenges, including economic growth, security, technology and international cooperation.

The summit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with developments related to Iran, Ukraine and global economic stability expected to feature prominently in discussions among leaders.

A bilateral meeting between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump is expected on Wednesday on the sidelines of the summit. According to reports, the two leaders are likely to discuss trade, investment, energy cooperation, supply chains, artificial intelligence and broader strategic issues.

Ahead of the summit, PM Modi had said India would represent not only its own interests but also the aspirations of the Global South. India has consistently used international forums to raise issues affecting developing nations, including sustainable development, economic resilience and equitable global growth.

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the three-day summit in Évian, where leaders from G7 nations and invited partner countries are taking part in a series of formal sessions and bilateral engagements. India is among the invited outreach partners attending the gathering.

The expected Modi-Trump meeting is attracting significant attention as it would be their first face-to-face interaction since recent discussions over trade and strategic cooperation. Officials have indicated that economic ties, visa-related matters and regional security issues could feature in the talks.

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Trump says Iran agrees to never have nuclear weapons, rejects $300 billion fund claim

Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to never possess nuclear weapons under a proposed framework, while dismissing reports that the US would provide Tehran with a $300 billion reconstruction fund.

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Donald Trump statement

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran has agreed to a commitment that it will never develop or possess nuclear weapons, describing it as a central element of a proposed understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking about the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump also rejected reports suggesting that the United States planned to provide Iran with a reconstruction or investment package worth $300 billion. He described such claims as false and said no such arrangement had been agreed.

The remarks come as discussions continue over a broader framework aimed at easing tensions between the two countries. According to Trump, the understanding would ensure that Iran remains without nuclear weapons while opening the door for future engagement if the terms are respected.

Questions remain over final agreement details

Despite Trump’s comments, several aspects of the proposed arrangement remain unclear because the full text of the agreement has not yet been made public.

Reports indicate that negotiations have involved discussions on sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and potential economic measures linked to Iran’s compliance with future commitments. However, the exact scope of these provisions has not been officially confirmed.

Another key issue is how compliance would be monitored. Details regarding inspections, verification mechanisms and the handling of Iran’s existing nuclear materials have yet to be fully explained.

Further negotiations expected

Officials have suggested that discussions on technical nuclear matters could continue even after the signing of an initial memorandum of understanding. Such talks would likely focus on implementation and verification measures.

The proposed framework is being closely watched internationally, as any agreement between the United States and Iran could have significant implications for regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts.

For now, Trump has maintained that the core objective remains clear: ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon while denying reports that Washington has committed to a multibillion-dollar reconstruction fund.

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LATEST SPORTS NEWS

USA start FIFA World Cup 2026 with dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay

The USA opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey with a dominant 4-1 victory against Paraguay, earning three valuable points in Group D.

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The United States kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the hosts delivered an attacking display to collect all three points and make an early statement in the tournament. The match also marked a significant occasion as the USA hosted part of the World Cup opening festivities before turning attention to the action on the pitch.

The Americans took control early and maintained pressure on Paraguay throughout the contest. Their attacking movement and clinical finishing helped them establish a comfortable lead, while Paraguay struggled to contain the hosts’ pace and creativity in the final third.

USA seize control after fast start

The United States settled quickly and found success going forward, creating several opportunities through quick passing and aggressive pressing. Their attacking approach paid off as they built momentum and gradually stretched Paraguay’s defence.

Paraguay attempted to respond and managed to get on the scoresheet, but the South American side found it difficult to match the intensity shown by the hosts. The USA continued to create chances and added further goals to put the result beyond doubt.

With the victory, the United States moved to the top section of Group D and gained an important boost in confidence ahead of their upcoming fixtures in the tournament.

Strong opening result for hosts

A winning start is particularly important in a World Cup campaign, and the USA achieved exactly that with a comprehensive performance. The result gives the hosts valuable momentum as they prepare for the next stage of group play.

For Paraguay, the defeat means they will need a strong response in their remaining group matches to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds alive.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament featuring an expanded format and more participating teams than previous editions.

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