Asia

Desperate Pakistan attempts to amplify EAM's Dhaka handshake

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq briefly shook hands in Dhaka on the sidelines of Khaleda Zia's funeral. The interaction came amid strained India-Pakistan ties following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent security and diplomatic actions.

2026-01-01T04:31:33.879595+00:00 IST

“Save the country from this journey into darkness”: Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh Awami League Chairperson and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a New Year message, urged people to unite to save the country from "darkness," warned of conspiracies and economic decline, and expressed hope that 2026 would bring peace, unity and prosperity.

2026-01-01T03:54:22.996562+00:00 IST

Taiwan detects 3 Chinese sorties, 17 vessels, 8 ships

Of the three, one sortie crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ.

2026-01-01T03:50:57.747889+00:00 IST

“Fascist Hasina will never be free of responsibility”: BNP leader

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan accused ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina of responsibility for Khaleda Zia's death, citing imprisonment and denial of treatment. He recalled Khaleda Zia's political struggle, democratic legacy and leadership, following her death on 30 December 2025 at age 80.

2026-01-01T03:07:39.131858+00:00 IST

BNP Acting Chairman extends gratitude to nation and foreign atten

Rahman thanked officials of the government and dignitaries that visited Bangladesh from abroad representing their heads of state for the funeral.

2026-01-01T03:03:55.463243+00:00 IST

PM Modi writes to Tarique Rahman on Khaleda Zia's demise

PM Modi remembered late Khaleda Zia as a leader of "rare resolve and conviction".

2025-12-31T19:20:12.685105+00:00 IST

Exercise Desert Cyclone-II culminates at Al-Hamra

Conducted from December 18 to 30 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the second edition of the India-UAE Joint Military Exercise reaffirmed the deepening defence partnership between the two nations and underscored their shared commitment to regional peace, security, and stability.

2025-12-31T18:56:40.550061+00:00 IST

China ends exercise Justice Mission 2025 around Taiwan

The Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command completed the "Justice Mission 2025" Drills around Taiwan, China Military Bugle, official press account of China's armed forces said on Wednesday.

2025-12-31T17:06:24.937319+00:00 IST

Chinese President Xi Jinping says ‘reunification is unstoppable’

The drills, codenamed 'Justice Mission 2025', saw the PLA Eastern Theatre Command dispatch its Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force troops to conduct joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and in areas to the north, southwest, southeast, and east of Taiwan.

2025-12-31T17:00:35.480452+00:00 IST

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleza Zia laid to rest

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest on Wednesday beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, according to Daily Star.

2025-12-31T15:03:20.769249+00:00 IST

Op Sindoor set new benchmarks in military tactics: Experts

It was a year India showed its military might, its technological prowess, the capability of its indigenous platforms and its resolve of zero tolerance to terrorism as it gave a befitting reply to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, forcing the western neighbour to seek a ceasefire.

2025-12-31T13:55:30.341017+00:00 IST

A partnership tested: India–Russia ties in sanction-hit world

During the year, President Vladimir Putin publicly defended India's stance, saying the Indian people would never allow themselves to be humiliated by anyone. He described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "balanced and wise" leader who acts in the national interest, RT reported. His remarks came in the context of the United States imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for continuing Russian oil purchases, taking the total tariff burden to 50 per cent.

2025-12-31T13:14:17.033998+00:00 IST

‘Look forward to script new chapter in ties’: Bangladesh envoy

"As HE Dr @DrSJaishankar left Dhaka after a whirlwind 4-hr visit, #Bangladesh & #India would look forward to script a new chapter in ties, in shared interests driven by pragmatism and mutual interdependence, as indeed briefly discussed with @bdbnp78 Acting Chair, @trahmanbnp this afternoon," Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah said in a post on X.

2025-12-31T13:11:21.475887+00:00 IST

China’s disinformation offensive over Taiwan intensifies

Taiwan's defence authorities have warned of an escalating wave of Chinese disinformation campaigns accompanying China's ongoing large-scale military drills around the island, cautioning the public against falling prey to fabricated narratives designed to erode morale and sow confusion. According to the Ministry of National Defence (MND), at least 46 separate pieces of false information have been detected since the start of the latest exercises, many of which appear aimed at undermining confidence in Taiwan's armed forces and its partnerships with allies, as reported by The Taipei Times.

2025-12-31T13:10:28.202964+00:00 IST

South Asian countries' High-Level representatives attend Khaleda Zia's funeral

The dignitaries arrived in Dhaka to attend the last rites of Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. A towering figure in national politics, she served three terms as prime minister and played a key role in restoring democracy after years of military rule.

2025-12-31T12:42:00.702669+00:00 IST

Earthquake of magnitude 3.4 strikes Tibet

An earthquake of magnitude 3.4 struck Tibet on Wednesday afternoon, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

2025-12-31T11:13:39.764096+00:00 IST

Guyana invites Indian companies to bid in oil blocks auction

Seeking to diversify players in the fast-growing energy sector, Guyana has invited Indian companies to participate in the exploration and production of crude oil, with oil blocks slated for auction in 2026.

2025-12-31T10:39:21.541709+00:00 IST

Ireland raises alarm over China’s expanding influence

Ireland's security establishment has issued a rare and pointed warning over the potential risks posed by academic and research engagement with China, signalling growing unease about foreign influence within the country's higher education sector. Irish Military Intelligence has quietly briefed senior university officials about the dangers associated with research collaborations that could compromise national security, as reported by Phayul.

2025-12-31T10:00:57.689142+00:00 IST

Bangladesh holds funeral for former PM Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh held the Namaz-e-Janaza of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka, with large public turnout and regional leaders in attendance. India and other South Asian countries sent senior representatives as the nation observed mourning and paid final respects.

2025-12-31T09:44:13.036135+00:00 IST

Pak: Rawalpindi authorities fail to curb brick kiln pollution

Authorities in Rawalpindi have failed to stop pollution from brick kilns operating without mandatory zig-zag technology, particularly in Gujar Khan. Residents report health risks and weak enforcement, while kiln owners cite high costs. Citizens and legal experts have demanded stricter action.

2025-12-31T09:19:31.910743+00:00 IST

Jaishankar hands over PM Modi's letter to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka and conveyed India's condolences on former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia's death. As tributes poured in, her last rites were arranged with state honours, drawing regional and global participation.

2025-12-31T09:04:13.730624+00:00 IST