Latest news with #G7Summit
United News of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
India successfully test-fires Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles
New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) India today successfully test-fired short-range ballistic missiles -- Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The launches validated all operational and technical parameters, a Defence Ministry statement said. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. UNI RBE ARN More News Cong calls for foreign policy recalibration, slams India's abstention on Gaza ceasefire resolution 17 Jul 2025 | 10:15 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) The Congress today accused the Centre's Narendra Modi government of causing a 'serious drift' in India's foreign policy and called for a 'comprehensive course correction' to restore the country's global stature and moral standing. see more.. ED Files chargesheet against Robert Vadra in Gurugram land scam 17 Jul 2025 | 9:25 PM New Delhi/Gurugram, July 17 (UNI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against businessman Robert Vadra in connection with a high-profile land scam in Gurugram, Haryana. see more.. India rubbishes NATO chief's threatening of severe sanctions for trading with Russia 17 Jul 2025 | 8:05 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) India today rubbished NATO chief Mark Rutte's threat of 'severe secondary sanctions' on countries trading with Russia and cautioned against any 'double standards.' External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said India's overriding priority is to secure energy needs guided by what is available in the markets and the prevailing global circumstances. see more.. PM Modi meets South Korean delegation, recalls positive meeting with President Lee Jae Myung 17 Jul 2025 | 7:48 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with a delegation of Special Envoys from South Korea during which he recalled his positive meeting with new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Canada, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. see more..
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Why France and Italy Are Snubbing Trump's NATO Weapon Plan
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. "It's a very big deal we've made," President Donald Trump remarked in front of the world's cameras on Monday, sitting next to NATO's chief, Mark Rutte, in the Oval Office. "Mr. President, dear Donald, this is really big," Rutte said. Trump on Monday said the United States would ship "billions of dollars' worth" of military equipment to NATO members, paid for by the alliance, to be handed over to Ukrainian forces battling grinding Russian advances. Trump had earlier this month suggested NATO would "100 percent" pay for U.S. weapons, which would be sent to Ukraine. Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada will be involved, Rutte said, as well as the Nordic nations of Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The agreement was a fresh indicator of Trump's growing irritation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and stalled progress toward the ceasefire Trump had pledged to secure in Eastern Europe. It was also a marker of underlying, unsolved tensions in Europe as the alliance attempts to paint itself as more united than ever. The French government will not join the initiative because of its emphasis on piecing together Europe's defense industrial base, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing two French officials. Italy will also refrain from participating, according to the Italian daily newspaper La Stampa. Newsweek reached out to the French and Italian governments for comment via email. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron listen as President Donald Trump (not pictured) answers questions during a group photo at the G7 Summit on June 16, 2025. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron listen as President Donald Trump (not pictured) answers questions during a group photo at the G7 Summit on June 16, 2025. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein Paris has been at the forefront of pushing for investment in the European defense industry, particularly in French manufacturing, Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow for European security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a prominent U.K.-based defense think tank, told Newsweek. Italy, meanwhile, does not feel as alarmed by Russia as other NATO nations, and is "just not choosing to buy European or American in large quantities," said Arnold. France and Italy had hoped for a similar deal to the one lauded in the Oval Office, which would have involved orders of the Franco-Italian SAMP-T ground-based air defense system, rather than Patriots, according to a French industry source. But the capacity to produce significant numbers of SAMP-Ts quickly just isn't there yet, and France's air force wants to ensure it has held back enough air defense systems to shield its airborne nuclear deterrent, the source told Newsweek. It's "extremely raw" as an issue, but there is an understanding that there are some capabilities that Europe's defense industry can't currently produce, a NATO official from a Baltic state told Newsweek. Trump's return to the White House sparked anxiety in Europe, a continent that has historically relied heavily on Washington to support its militaries. However, the Trump administration's long-held and publicly expressed frustration with Europe's scant defense spending successfully led to a major pledge at last month's NATO summit, where the alliance promised to reach 5 percent of GDP on defense. Such a commitment was deemed entirely unrealistic at the start of the year. Europe and Canada walk a tightrope between wanting to keep the U.S. engaged in the continent's security and weaning NATO's non-U.S. members off a dependence on the country's equipment. While NATO broadly agrees Europe needs (and will) surge defense spending, the industrial strategy is less clear, and differences between the priorities of individual countries remain stark. There are pressing questions still to be answered about how rapidly the European defense industry will be able to expand, particularly in the next year or so. Europe will struggle to produce equipment in the short and medium term, meaning governments will have to look to the U.S. and other countries, such as South Korea, for immediate needs, Arnold told Newsweek. "Defense industry is still the stickiest part of NATO unity," he said. Rutte said the deal would put "really massive numbers" of vital supplies, including air defense, in Ukraine's hands. Trump stated that Ukraine would receive an unspecified number of Patriot systems "within days." Patriot systems, manufactured by the U.S. defense company Raytheon, are the most sought-after ground-based air defense systems, capable of intercepting Russia's advanced weapons and ballistic missiles. Ukraine has frequently appealed for more Patriot batteries, which are composed of several components, including radars, launchers, and interceptor missiles, as well as a command and control center. Zelensky said on July 10 that Germany would fund the purchase of two Patriot systems, while Norway would finance a third. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, who recently took over as NATO's top military commander, said on Thursday that the German Patriot would be transferred "as quickly as possible." Trump said an unnamed nation could provide all or at least the better part of "17 Patriots." It was unclear which parts of the Patriot system the president was referring to. "Seventeen is a huge number if we are talking about batteries," Major General Vadym Skibitsky, the deputy head of Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency, told the Guardian on Tuesday. "If it's launchers, that's possible." Ukraine has faced intensified Russian aerial attacks in recent months, despite U.S. efforts to bridge the gap between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine signed up to an American proposal in March, but the Kremlin has refused to ink its consent, upping its strikes on the war-torn country. The U.S. has also repeatedly paused military aid deliveries to Ukraine, including Patriot interceptors. Trump, who had long held off on criticizing the Russian president, has increasingly made his frustration with Putin known. "I'm disappointed in him, but I'm not done with him," Trump told the BBC earlier this week.
12 hours ago
- Politics
President Lee's 'Pragmatic Diplomacy': Can He Balance Foreign Ties and Security?
Eight decades after the end of World War II and 60 years on from the normalization of Japan–South Korea ties, a new president in Seoul promises a more practical take on foreign policy. A specialist looks at the prospects for Lee Jae-myung's administration in the diplomatic and security arenas. Consistency Builds Trust Between Nations Issues of historical awareness have long complicated Japan–South Korea relations. Following his election on June 3, South Korea's new president Lee Jae-myung hinted at a more flexible approach to history issues, saying that 'Taking a consistent approach is extremely important in diplomacy' and that it is 'unrealistic' for new leaders to unilaterally change diplomatic tack based on their personal views. As such, President Lee seems likely to emphasize the importance of 'pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests' over historical consciousness in relations with Japan. Also notable is that, when President Lee made his introductory phone calls to world leaders on June 9, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru was second after US President Donald Trump. When fellow progressive Moon Jae-in took office in 2017, he spoke to both the United States and China before speaking to the Japanese leader. President Moon also advocated 'balanced diplomacy' between the United States and China. By contrast, Prime Minister Ishiba and President Lee agreed that 'amid a worsening strategic environment' in East Asia, maintaining close bilateral ties between Japan and South Korea, as well as trilateral cooperation with the United States, is essential to diplomatic stability. On June 17, Lee and Ishiba conducted an in-person meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada. There, the South Korean president emphasized the importance of 'looking past minor differences' to keep building a 'cooperative relationship' in a 'future-oriented manner.' Welcoming this, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed hope that, amid the current challenging international situation, cooperation between the two nations would contribute to both regional security and global stability. With both sides embracing 'pragmatic diplomacy,' it appears that the next chapter of Japan–South Korea relations is off to a smooth start. The so-called 'minor differences' President Lee has in mind relate to events over the last decade that soured diplomatic relations between the neighbors. In 2015, the conservative administration of Park Geun-hye concluded an agreement with the Abe Shinzō administration regarding the comfort women issue. However, the progressive Moon Jae-in administration effectively abandoned it in 2018, in the process damaging mutual trust between the two countries. There were concerns that something similar would happen this time with the wartime colonial laborer issue. While this issue was effectively 'resolved' in Korea during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, there are concerns in Japan that a progressive administration will revive it. During the three years of the Yoon administration, Japan–South Korea relations quickly normalized, and trilateral security cooperation among Japan, the United States, and South Korea similarly strengthened. Will this momentum be maintained going forward? This year, 2025, marks the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War II and the Korean Peninsula's liberation from colonial rule. It is also the sixtieth anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. During this period, the countries concluded various agreements, including the 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations and the Agreement on the Settlement of Problems concerning Property and Claims and on Economic Cooperation. They also entered into security agreements such as the 2016 General Security of Military Information Agreement to protect classified military information. Japan has also addressed war responsibility through official statements by Prime Minister Murayama Tomiichi in 1995, by Prime Minister Kan Naoto in 2010, and by Prime Minister Abe in 2015. With the inauguration of South Korea's new president coinciding with the sixtieth anniversary of his country's diplomatic relations with Japan, it is the perfect opportunity for both sides to reaffirm the core international legal principle of pacta sunt servanda ('agreements must be kept') that underpins mutual international trust. An event held in Seoul on June 16, 2025, to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. President Lee can be seen delivering a video message (back right). (© Kyōdō) President Lee Jae-myung declared that the 'real' Republic of Korea has resumed with his election, ending the period of social unrest that began with the declaration of martial law by his predecessor that many progressives saw as a coup d'état. His challenge is to reset domestic affairs while emphasizing the importance of consistency in foreign policy and national security. President Lee has stated that he intends to stabilize relations with North Korea, thereby reducing 'Korea risk,' but a much greater risk that he must contend with is one where South Korea is perceived as a 'swing state' where a new government regularly results in drastic foreign and security policy changes. Trilateral Cooperation but No Mention of the 'Indo-Pacific' Polarization between conservatives and progressives in South Korea remains severe. Reaching consensus in the National Assembly has been extremely difficult, and divisions among citizens are intensifying and becoming more emotional. These dynamics are particularly evident in foreign affairs and national security, especially when Japan and North Korea are involved. According to a January public opinion survey conducted by the East Asia Institute, a South Korean think tank, when asked about the most important issue the South Korean government should prioritize in diplomacy toward Japan, conservative respondents cited 'resolving historical issues' (24.0%) less frequently than 'advancing future-oriented cooperation' (55.5%). Progressive respondents, however, were the mirror opposite: 56.2% wanted to prioritize resolving historical issues versus 26.8% preferring to emphasize cooperation. If President Lee Jae-myung wants to maintain his support base, a resurgence of historical issues should be expected at some point during his administration. There are similar divisions when it comes to South Korea's policy toward North Korea and the United States. Among conservative respondents, 41.5% wish to strengthen security measures while only 17.0% of progressives chose this as a priority. On the other hand, only 15.7% of conservatives valued 'expanding inter-Korean exchanges,' while 44.6% of progressive respondents chose this option. Regarding South Korea's general approach to relations with the United States, 50.4% of conservatives selected strengthening the US-ROK alliance as the top priority, compared with only 26.6% of progressive respondents. Progressives on the other hand were more likely to select 'establishing an equal partnership with the United States' as the top priority (32.6%)—only 9.8% of conservative respondents chose this option. Despite these divisions, majorities of both progressive (55.1%) and conservative (84.6%) respondents did favor strengthening trilateral military security cooperation among Japan, the United States, and South Korea. In a situation of extreme polarization where citizens unreservedly support or oppose the policies of an administration based on their ideology, it can be very difficult for new governments to carry forward initiatives of their predecessors if they are not from the same party. The resolution of the wartime labor issue is a characteristic example of this, and indeed President Lee is on record as criticizing Yoon's pragmatic diplomacy toward Japan on this issue as 'humiliating' and something that 'undermined national self-respect.' Another prominent policy pursued by former President Yoon that could come under scrutiny is South Korea's Indo-Pacific Strategy. The normalization of Japan–South Korea relations during the Yoon administration, and South Korea's seeming rhetorical commitment to an Indo-Pacific Strategy, shaped the redefinition of the US-ROK relationship as a global comprehensive strategic alliance (April 2023), which in turn underpinned the Camp David Principles (August 2023) that marked the beginning of a new era of US-ROK-Japan trilateral security cooperation. However, President Lee Jae-myung did not once mention the term 'Indo-Pacific' during his presidential election campaign. What one does not say can often speak louder than what one does say. When considering future diplomatic policy, it is important to pay close attention to South Korea's approach toward the Indo-Pacific strategy under the new administration. A Stark Temperature Difference on Taiwan The Free and Open Indo-Pacific concept was originally formulated by Japan as a global strategy, and some variation of this vision has subsequently been adopted by the United States, South Korea, Australia, Canada, the European Union, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It has become an indispensable framework contextualizing the common international challenges of our time. Particularly notable is that since 2022, the leaders of Japan and South Korea, as members of the IP4 (Indo-Pacific Partners) grouping with Australia and New Zealand, have participated in NATO summit meetings. This symbolizes the increasing interdependence of security between the Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic regions, as well as between the east and west of the Eurasian landmass. At one time in the past Japan and South Korea were considered 'quasi-allies' due to both nations sharing intimate military alliances with the United States. However, this designation is currently much more likely to be applied to Australia and the United Kingdom in Japan's case. In order to reinvigorate the Japan–South Korea 'quasi-alliance,' there needs to be a cold hard look at what Japan, South Korea, and the United States should do, what they can do, and importantly, what they cannot do together. It is important to neither get overly ambitious nor give up too soon when trying to forge trilateral cooperation. One area of potential divergence relates to Taiwan. The 2023 Camp David Principles reaffirmed the importance of 'peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait'; this was part of a broader clarification that the US-ROK alliance was a global comprehensive strategic alliance not necessarily limited to contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. The United States' Indo-Pacific strategy is predicated on the region comprising one theater, with American forces in both South Korea and Japan effectively positioned on the frontlines of this single theater. In the event of a crisis not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea, the United States requires flexible and organic coordination between the US-ROK alliance and the US-Japan alliance. In Tokyo, this notion is increasingly acceptable. Successive prime ministers have, after all, adopted the stance that 'today's Ukraine could be tomorrow's East Asia' and that 'a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency' requiring the US-Japan alliance to act. As such, political leaders and officials have doubled down on efforts to enhance deterrence and response capabilities and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Mutual trust is of extreme importance between allies. In South Korea, though, there is a different sense of urgency. Taiwan is perceived to be far away, and the likelihood of a crisis is considered low. Somewhat astonishingly, President Lee has openly stated during past political campaigns that all South Korea needs to do is say xiexie (thank you) to both China and Taiwan should a conflict break out, and that Korea does not need to overly concern itself with Taiwan Strait events. President Lee does not appear to fear the possibility that President Trump might consider drawing down American forces from allies who are unwilling to commit to supporting American forces during a regional US-China conflict—wherever it takes place. This is despite the removal of American troops being likely to drastically alter the balance of power with North Korea and impact South Korea's own security. President Lee is on record repeatedly saying that fighting and winning is a poor strategy, and that it is more important to avoid fighting in the first place through diplomacy. While diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict are of course important, preparing for the worst is a fundamental principle of deterrence and national security approaches that aim to avoid fighting in the first place. The true effectiveness of President Lee's 'pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests' will ultimately be determined by how the new South Korean president strikes the balance between diplomacy and national security. (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, at left, shakes hands with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ahead of their summit meeting on June 17, 2025. © Jiji.)
United News of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
PM Modi meets South Korean delegation, recalls positive meeting with President Lee Jae Myung
New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with a delegation of Special Envoys from South Korea during which he recalled his positive meeting with new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Canada, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. In a post on X, the PM said the bilateral Special Strategic Partnership, completes a decade, and continues to grow in areas including innovation and defence to shipbuilding and skilled mobility. 'Delighted to receive the delegation of Special Envoys from the Republic of Korea led by Mr. Kim Boo Kyum. Recalled my positive meeting with President @Jaemyung_Lee last month. 'India–ROK Special Strategic Partnership, which completes 10 years, continues to grow from innovation and defence to shipbuilding and skilled mobility. 'Close collaboration between the democracies contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.' South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung's delegation of special envoys to India is led by former prime minister Kim Boo-kyum. They met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier in the day. PM Modi and the South Korean President had met on June 17 on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit, during which the two leaders had agreed to enhance collaboration in areas like trade, investment, green energy, and emerging technologies. Lee Jae Myung of the Democratic Party was elected president in a snap election on June 3, 2025, after the impeachment and removal from office of President Yoon Suk-yeol. He was sworn in President on June 4. UNI RN PM Modi meets South Korean delegation, recalls positive meeting with President Lee Jae Myung 17 Jul 2025 | 7:48 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with a delegation of Special Envoys from South Korea during which he recalled his positive meeting with new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Canada, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. see more.. Govt rendering all help to Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, in touch with friendly governments 17 Jul 2025 | 7:38 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) The Indian government continues to render all possible assistance to Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who is on a death row in Yemen, and is in touch with some ''friendly governments'' besides local authorities and family members to resolve the issue. see more.. Russia-India-China (RIC) format to be revived 17 Jul 2025 | 7:00 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) India today expressed willingness to revive the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral format and said a decision would be taken "in a mutually convenient manner.'' External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said RIC format brings together the three nations to discuss regional and global issues of mutual concern. He said the schedule would be worked out in a mutually convenient manner. see more.. BJP slams Rahul over remarks on Assam CM, defends Bihar's electoral roll process 17 Jul 2025 | 6:53 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today described as 'highly objectionable' Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks suggesting that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma should be sent to jail. see more.. SC seeks Bar Council of India Chairman's assistance on compliance with enrolment fee cap ruling 17 Jul 2025 | 6:15 PM New Delhi, July 17 (UNI) The Supreme Court today sought the assistance of Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman and Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra to ascertain whether State Bar Councils are complying with its 2024 ruling prohibiting enrolment fees beyond the statutory cap under the Advocates Act, 1961. see more..
International Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- International Business Times
Donald Trump to Meet UK PM Keir Starmer in Scotland to Finalize Trade Talks
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he expects to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer later this month in Aberdeen, Scotland. The meeting aims to fine-tune elements of a U.S.-UK trade deal that both leaders initiated on June 16 during the G7 Summit in Canada. A White House official confirmed that Trump's visit to Scotland is scheduled from July 25 to July 29. He plans to visit both his Turnberry and Aberdeen golf courses, mirroring a similar trip made during his 2016 presidential campaign. The meeting with Starmer is expected to focus on unresolved trade issues, particularly involving tariffs on steel and aluminum. "We're going to have a meeting with him, probably in Aberdeen," Trump said. "We're going to do a lot of different things, also refine the trade deal that we've made." The current trade agreement reaffirms tariffs and quotas on British automobiles while removing tariffs on the U.K. aerospace sector. However, negotiations continue over steel and aluminum duties, which remain a sticking point. Trump famously praised Britain's Brexit vote during his 2016 visit to Scotland, celebrating at Turnberry while accompanied by traditional Scottish bagpipers. Turnberry, a historic Open Championship course, was purchased by Trump in 2014. Looking ahead, Trump is also scheduled for a state visit to Britain from September 17 to 19. He will be the guest of King Charles at Windsor Castle, following a similar visit hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)
