‘No alternative to dialogue, diplomacy' in the region: India welcomes Israel-Iran ceasefire
India on Tuesday welcomed the ceasefire declared between Iran and Israel following a dramatic escalation in hostilities, including US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran on American military bases in Qatar.
In a statement, New Delhi said it had been 'closely following developments overnight' as the tensions threatened to spiral into a wider regional war. 'We remain deeply concerned about the prospects for overall and sustained regional security and stability,' the government said.
Despite the volatility, India acknowledged efforts by Washington and Doha to halt the fighting. 'We welcome reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the role played by the US and Qatar in bringing it about,' the statement added.
India reiterated that dialogue was the only viable path to resolution. 'There is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy in order to address and resolve the multiple conflicts in the region,' the statement read.
Offering to contribute to peace efforts, India asserted its willingness to support initiatives aimed at long-term stability. 'India stands ready to play its part in these efforts and hopes that all concerned parties will work towards sustained peace and stability,' it said.
The remarks come after US President Donald Trump personally intervened to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold back further strikes after Iran's missile barrage. Trump made a direct phone call to Netanyahu urging restraint. The Israeli PM's office later confirmed the outreach: 'Following President Trump's conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel refrained from additional attacks.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
United News of India
42 minutes ago
- United News of India
Trump accuses Israel and Iran of violating ceasefire, claims total destruction of Iranian nuclear program
Washington, June 24 (UNI) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that both Israel and Iran violated the ceasefire agreement, and claimed that the Israeli and US strikes had destroyed Iran's nuclear programme. 'Both sides broke the ceasefire,' Trump told reporters before leaving for the NATO summit in The Hague, referring to the US-brokered truce that was announced hours earlier and confirmed by both governments. He did not specify which side acted first but added, 'I didn't like that Israel unloaded right after we agreed to a ceasefire.' Trump's statement contradicted reports from Tel Aviv and Tehran over who initiated strikes after the ceasefire took effect. While Israel said that Iran launched two ballistic missiles on its territory in little less than an hour post ceasefire, Iran denied the accusation and alleged that Tel Aviv continued to fire on its positions for more than an hour after the truce was supposed to begin, Iran International reported. Trump, who has taken credit for brokering the ceasefire, also made claims about the destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities. 'Iran will never rebuild its nuclear program,' he said. 'Their nuclear capacities are gone.' Trump later said on social media that Israel will not carry out further attacks on Iran and that all military aircraft involved in operations would return home, as the ceasefire between the two countries remains in effect. "All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly 'Plane Wave' to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!" Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. He also warned Israel not to drop any more bombs on Iran or it would be a violation of the ceasefire he is trying to broker between the two countries. "Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!" Trump wrote in a post on his social media site shortly after he left the White House for a trip to the NATO summit in The Hague. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a call from Trump to stop the attack, said that a retaliation by Jerusalem was unavoidable, stating that he could not cancel a planned military response against Tehran, following what he described as a 'grave violation' of the newly declared ceasefire. Nonetheless, Netanyahu confirmed that the IDF did not carry out any additional action after Trump told Israel to 'not drop those bombs.' UNI ANV RN
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Retirement Trust Fund Depletion: Social Security benefits may shrink by 2033. Here's why, how it may affect you, what can be done to avert crisis and how to prepare for future
A recent government report has raised concerns about the future of Social Security. The Social Security Board of Trustees now says the retirement trust fund could be depleted by 2033. This is one year earlier than its last estimate. Millions of Americans who rely on these benefits may see reduced payments if no action is taken, media reports said. Trust Fund Depletion Expected in 2033 The Social Security Board of Trustees released its 2024 annual report. It shows that the retirement trust fund may run out by 2033. This change was shared with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The new timeline increases concerns for future retirees. If Congress does not take steps soon, benefits could be reduced. A 23% cut may occur. This would affect many Americans who depend on the system. Also Read: Baba Vanga World War 3 Prophecy: Did Bulgarian mystic predict war between Iran and Israel? Here's how she said it would end How It May Affect You? The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund is at risk. This fund gives monthly checks to retired workers and their families. If the fund runs dry, payroll taxes will only cover about 77% of scheduled payments. This would mean smaller checks for millions of retirees. Live Events Many people use these payments as their only income. A cut in benefits could create serious challenges for these households. Why is it Happening? Several issues have caused the trust fund to weaken faster. One factor is the Social Security Fairness Act. This law helped nearly 3 million retired public workers by improving their benefits. However, it also added pressure to the trust fund. Demographic changes are also a factor. More people are retiring as baby boomers age. People are living longer and having fewer children. This means fewer workers are paying into the system while more people collect benefits for longer. Also Read: Never Before Ever: US President lashes out at Israel for violating ceasefire with Iran. See how did Trump criticize Netanyahu What Can be Done to Avert Crisis? Lawmakers have suggested different ways to strengthen the fund. One idea is to raise the Full Retirement Age . It is now 67, but some propose increasing it to 70. Early retirement age could also move from 62 to 65. Another idea is to raise the cap on income subject to Social Security taxes. At present, only income up to $176,000 is taxed. Increasing this limit could mean higher contributions from high earners. How to Prepare for Future? Financial experts believe millennials and Gen Z may not receive full benefits. Some may receive only partial benefits or none at all. These groups are advised to start preparing now. Retirement planning experts recommend early saving. Starting a Roth IRA or increasing contributions to a 401(k) are good options. These actions help build personal savings to rely on later in life. FAQs What happens if the Social Security trust fund runs out in 2033? If the fund runs out, only 77% of scheduled benefits will be paid. Retirees may face a 23% cut unless Congress takes action to fix the issue. How can younger people prepare for reduced Social Security benefits? Younger workers should save more through Roth IRAs or 401(k)s. Financial planners suggest preparing for retirement without depending on full Social Security payments.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Trump Says Doesn't Want 'Regime Change' In Iran, Cites Risk of Chaos
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he didn't want to see "regime change" in Iran amid its conflict with Israel, adding that it would cause "chaos." "If there was, there was, but no I don't want it. I'd like to see everything calm down as quickly as possible," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "Regime change takes chaos, and ideally we don't want to see so much chaos." Iran said that it was ready to return to negotiations with the United States, as a fragile ceasefire in its war with Israel took hold after 12 days of strikes that pummelled the Islamic republic's nuclear facilities. But even as he appeared to express willingness to revisit nuclear talks derailed by Israel's surprise attack, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country would continue to "assert its legitimate rights" to the peaceful use of atomic power. The United States on Sunday had joined Israel's campaign with strikes on key nuclear sites. After Iran retaliated with a missile attack Monday night targeting a US base in Qatar, President Donald Trump called for de-escalation, announcing the contours of a truce deal hours later. Israel has said its war, which began on June 13, was aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, an ambition Tehran has long denied holding. After Trump angrily berated both sides for early violations of the truce on Tuesday, Tehran announced it would respect the terms of the deal if Israel did the same, while Israel said it had refrained from further strikes. Both Israel and Iran appeared to claim victory following the announcement of the truce. The Israeli government said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had convened his cabinet "to announce that Israel had achieved all the objectives of Operation Rising Lion and much more". Iran's top security body, meanwhile, said the Islamic republic's forces had "compelled" Israel to "unilaterally" stand down. While Iran and Israel have been locked in a shadow war for decades, it has been by far the most destructive confrontation between the arch-foes. The war saw US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites using massive bunker-busting bombs, followed by an Iranian reprisal targeting the United States' largest military facility in the Middle East. Trump shrugged off that response as "weak", thanking Tehran for giving advanced notice and announcing the outline of the ceasefire just hours later. Iran's National Security Council had said the number of missiles launched at the base "was the same as the number of bombs that the US had used" against Iran. Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 610 civilians and wounded more than 4,700, according to the health ministry. Iran's attacks on Israel have killed 28 people, according to official figures and rescuers.
