logo
Defence minister denies India bowed to pressure to end fighting with Pakistan

Defence minister denies India bowed to pressure to end fighting with Pakistan

Dubai Eye6 days ago
India's defence minister said on Monday that New Delhi had ended its military conflict with Pakistan in May as it had met all its objectives and had not responded to pressure, rejecting US President Donald Trump's claim that he brokered the truce.
Rajnath Singh was speaking at the opening of a discussion in parliament on the April 22 attack in India's Jammu & Kashmir, in which 26 men were killed.
The attack led to a fierce, four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May, the worst between the nuclear-armed neighbours in nearly three decades.
"India halted its operation because all the political and military objectives studied before and during the conflict had been fully achieved," Singh said.
"To suggest that the operation was called off under pressure is baseless and entirely incorrect," he said.
Singh's comments came as the Indian Army said that it had killed "three terrorists" in an intense gun battle in Indian Kashmir on Monday.
Indian TV channels said the three were suspected to be behind the April attack.
Pakistan thanked Trump for brokering the agreement but India said Washington had no hand in it and that New Delhi and Islamabad had agreed between themselves to end the fighting.
"At no stage, in any conversation with the United States, was there any linkage with trade and what was going on," Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, referring to Trump's repeated remarks that he had used the prospect of trade deals between Washington and the two countries as leverage to broker peace.
There was also no conversation between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi between the day of the Kashmir attack when Trump called to convey his sympathy and June 17 when Modi was in Canada for the G-7 summit, Jaishankar told parliament.
Indian opposition groups have questioned what they say is the intelligence failure behind the Kashmir attack and the government's inability to capture the assailants - issues they are expected to raise during the parliament discussion.
They have also criticised Modi for coming under pressure from Trump and agreeing to end the fighting, along with reports that Indian jets were shot down during the fighting.
Pakistan claimed it downed five Indian planes in combat, and India's highest ranking general told Reuters that India suffered initial losses in the air, but declined to give details.
The Himalayan region of Kashmir has been at the heart of the hostility between India and Pakistan, both of whom claim the region in full but rule it in part, and have fought two of their three wars over it.
India accuses Pakistan of helping separatists in its part of Kashmir, but Pakistan denies this and says it only provides diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiris seeking self-determination.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Crude oil prices decline to $69.4 as OPEC+ increases production levels
Crude oil prices decline to $69.4 as OPEC+ increases production levels

Economy ME

time37 minutes ago

  • Economy ME

Crude oil prices decline to $69.4 as OPEC+ increases production levels

Oil prices continued their downward trend on Monday following OPEC+ 's decision to implement another significant production increase in September. Concerns regarding a slowing economy in the U.S., the world's largest oil consumer, are compounding the pressure. Brent crude futures dipped by 40 cents, or 0.57 percent, settling at $69.27 a barrel by 01:15 GMT (currently trading above $69.4). In contrast, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude stood at $66.96 a barrel, down 37 cents, or 0.55 percent (currently trading above $67.15), after both contracts had closed around $2 a barrel lower on Friday. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, collectively known as OPEC+, reached an agreement on Sunday to raise oil production by 547,000 barrels per day for September. This decision is part of a series of accelerated output increases aimed at regaining market share, citing a robust economy and low stockpiles as the rationale behind this move. This action, which aligns with market predictions, represents a complete and early reversal of OPEC+'s largest set of output cuts, along with a separate increase in production for the United Arab Emirates, totaling about 2.5 million barrels per day, or approximately 2.4 percent of global demand. Investor caution amid sanctions Nevertheless, investors are cautious about potential further U.S. sanctions on Iran and Russia, which could disrupt supplies. U.S. President Trump has threatened to impose 100 percent secondary tariffs on Russian crude buyers in an effort to pressure Russia into ceasing its military actions in Ukraine. At least two vessels loaded with Russian oil, destined for refiners in India, have diverted to alternative destinations in light of the new U.S. sanctions, according to trade sources reported on Friday, along with LSEG trade flow data. Concerns regarding U.S. tariffs affecting global economic growth and fuel consumption continue to loom over the market, especially following U.S. economic data indicating jobs growth on Friday fell short of expectations. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated on Sunday that the tariffs imposed last week on numerous countries are likely to remain in effect rather than be reduced amid ongoing negotiations. Read more: Crude oil prices rise above $71.8 amid new tariffs impacting Russian supply U.S. oil consumption projections According to the latest official data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. oil consumption in 2025 is projected at 20.4 million barrels per day, up from 20.3 million barrels per day in 2024, while U.S. oil production is anticipated to reach 13.37 million barrels per day in 2025—slightly below previous estimates due to lower oil prices and ongoing economic unpredictability stemming from shifting U.S. tariff policies. Globally, oil demand is forecast to exceed 105 million barrels per day in 2025, according to Statista, marking a new high in global consumption. OPEC+'s announcement on Sunday, formalizes a full reversal of output cuts initially implemented in 2023, with the latest meeting attended by major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman. The monthly production adjustments began in April 2025, and Brent crude prices have remained close to $70 a barrel, rebounding from lows in April. Decline in Russian oil exports Recent shifts in Russian oil exports, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, show that Russia exported 24.8 million tonnes of oil by sea in June 2025, a 5 percent month-on-month decline, with over half of these volumes now transported on G7+ tankers (representing 56 percent of exports, up from 36 percent in January). The U.S. Department of the Treasury intensified sanctions in early 2025, targeting two major Russian oil producers, over 180 vessels, oil traders, and oilfield service providers, substantially increasing sanctions risks for the Russian oil trade. These actions are underpinned by determinations made under Executive Order 14024 and accompanied by parallel measures from the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, President Trump's new tariff schedule imposes duties ranging from 10 percent to 41 percent on goods from several countries including India and Indonesia, and he continues to threaten even higher tariffs on countries that import Russian oil. Experts warn that continued tariff uncertainty could constrain global economic growth and potentially curtail future oil demand. The Energy Information Administration recently lowered its global oil demand growth forecast for 2025 by 400,000 barrels per day, attributing the cut to economic uncertainty and trade tensions.

Filmmakers try to cash in on India-Pakistan battle
Filmmakers try to cash in on India-Pakistan battle

Gulf Today

time8 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

Filmmakers try to cash in on India-Pakistan battle

Indian filmmakers are locking up the rights to movie titles that can profit from the patriotism fanned by a four-day conflict with Pakistan, which killed more than 70 people. The nuclear-armed rivals exchanged artillery, drone and air strikes in May, after India blamed Pakistan for an armed attack on tourists in Kashmir. The fighting came to an end when US President Donald Trump announced a surprise ceasefire. Now, some Bollywood filmmakers see an opportunity to cash in on the battle. India tagged its military action against Pakistan 'Operation Sindoor', the Hindi word for vermilion, which married Hindu women wear on their foreheads. The name was seen as a symbol of Delhi's determination to avenge those widowed in the April 22 attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which sparked the hostilities. Film studios have registered a slew of titles evoking the operation, including: 'Mission Sindoor', 'Sindoor: The Revenge', 'The Pahalgam Terror', and 'Sindoor Operation'. 'It's a story which needs to be told,' said director Vivek Agnihotri. 'If it was Hollywood, they would have made 10 films on this subject. People want to know what happened behind the scenes,' he told reporters. Agnihotri struck box office success with his 2022 release, 'The Kashmir Files', based on the mass flight of Hindus from Kashmir in the 1990s. The ruling right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party gave that film a glowing endorsement, despite accusations that it aimed to stir up hatred against a community. Since nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, some critics say Bollywood is increasingly promoting his government's ideology. Raja Sen, a film critic and screenwriter, said filmmakers felt emboldened by an amenable government. 'We tried to wage a war and then we quietened down when Mr Trump asked us to. So what is the valour here?' Sen told AFP of the Pakistan clashes. Anil Sharma, known for directing rabble-rousing movies, criticised the apparent rush to make films related to the Pahalgam attack. 'This is herd mentality... these are seasonal filmmakers, they have their constraints,' he said. 'I don't wait for an incident to happen and then make a film based on that. A subject should evoke feelings and only then cinema happens,' said Sharma. Sharma's historical action flick 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' (2001) and its sequel 'Gadar 2' (2023), both featuring Sunny Deol in lead roles, were big hits. In Bollywood, filmmakers often seek to time releases for national holidays like Independence Day, which are associated with heightened patriotic fervour. 'Fighter', featuring big stars Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, was released on the eve of India's Republic Day on January 25 last year. Though not a factual retelling, it drew heavily from India's 2019 airstrike on Pakistan's Balakot. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews but raked in $28 million in India, making it the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of that year. This year, 'Chhaava', a drama based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, a ruler of the Maratha Empire, became the highest-grossing film so far this year. It also generated significant criticism for fuelling anti-Muslim bias. 'This is at a time when cinema is aggressively painting some kings and leaders in violent light,' said Sen. 'This is where those who are telling the stories need to be responsible about which stories they choose to tell.' Sen said filmmakers were reluctant to choose topics that are 'against the establishment.' 'If the public is flooded with dozens of films that are all trying to serve an agenda, without the other side allowed to make itself heard, then that propaganda and misinformation enters the public psyche,' he said. Acclaimed director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said true patriotism is promoting peace and harmony through the medium of cinema. Mehra's socio-political drama 'Rang De Basanti' (2006) won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film and was chosen as India's official entry for the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. 'How we can arrive at peace and build a better society? How we can learn to love our neighbours?' he asked. Agence France-Presse

The politics of compromise and conviction
The politics of compromise and conviction

Gulf Today

time8 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

The politics of compromise and conviction

Luke Harris, Tribune News Service Scott Turner was a Texas House Representative, now serving in the Trump Administration as the Secretary of US Housing & Urban Development (HUD). In the Texas House, he talked about 'being the best we can,' and espoused high standards for himself and his colleagues; however, in his current position, he has voiced no complaints or objections against the administration or the Republican Party. Perhaps for less cynical reasons than power itself, but to pursue his policies on housing and healthcare. Turner is a brilliant case study for how ambition causes politicians to accept feeble attempts to reason away their beliefs or ethics, always for something greater, something they can achieve with one more step. That 'one more step' toward completely surrendering their integrity, confounding their ethical clarity, and adopting whatever means meet their ends. During a keynote address in 2014, he spoke of the duty to break the status quo, Democrat or Republican, he said, 'We need servant leaders.... People who live by conviction and principle, not by the waves of the sea of what's popular today.' He shared his experience growing up in a poor home, and his father working two jobs. At his confirmation, he talked empathetically about the homelessness crisis and how his family took in his uncle, providing him with the services he needed. Trump has made comments expressing disdain for the homeless; he said these people were hurting the 'prestige' of major cities, and many homeless people might prefer their situation. An NBC affiliate network reported that 1 in 4 low-income households eligible for HUD rental assistance receive benefits. Turner is championing time limits, which means taking away benefits from more low-income households still unable to afford the cost of living. Trump has further plans to remove people from homeless encampments and place them in large camps or tent-cities, where they will be mandated to receive mental health or addiction treatment. Seemingly in conflict with his views on homelessness and background, these policies are consistent with his previous stances representing Texas, for example, restricting welfare, requiring drug testing for unemployment benefits, voting against free-lunch programs in Texas schools, and opposing the Affordable Care Act. He defined his career as a Texas Representative as an uncompromising advocate for transparency, leading extensive investigations into the conduct of his colleagues, and voting on policies to increase accountability. For example, he voted for HB 1690, which authorized rangers to investigate misconduct of an official or public administration and refer cases to the State Attorney General. He has parted ways with these values, perhaps to advocate for his conservative policies on social programs such as welfare and housing subsidies. However, compromising his fight against improper leadership or self-interested governance — accepting the numerous examples of corruption and secrecy — to achieve an agenda or implement a policy, is not leading on principle or conviction. The Epstein scandal is a recent example of something that clearly runs against Turner's previous views on government transparency and accountability. The footage and DOJ reports are inconsistent, and the Administration, DOJ, and FBI have refused to comment. For example, the files obtained by the AP provide a Suicide Timeline; at 6:33 a.m., staff found Epstein unresponsive, and at 6:45 a.m., EMS arrived. The DOJ released raw footage from the hallway camera. According to the FBI, anyone entering the cell would have been visible on that camera, but the footage shows no one entering his cell around the provided timeline. More concerningly, Pam Bondi, Trump's Attorney General, has directly undermined the investigation into the Epstein files, ordering thousands of FBI agents to redact files. Bondi allegedly pressured the FBI to recruit 1,000 personnel to review 100,000 files relating to Jefferey Epstein and 'flag' any that mentioned Donald Trump. It would not be an exaggeration to compare the redaction of the Epstein files to the shredding of papers or deletion of tapes in the Watergate Scandal. Furthermore, his treatment of the press, on the Epstein Scandal and throughout his two terms, displays a hostility not seen since Nixon's 'Enemy List': revoking CNN reporter Jim Acosta's press pass, restricting AP reporters' access to White House events, ending funding for public broadcast stations, suing 60 Minutes, recently launching a $22 billion suit against The Wall Street Journal, and attacking reporters for 'fake news' or calling journalists 'nasty.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store