South Korean President's India visit to mark new phase in bilateral ties

IANS | April 18, 2026 6:23 PM

Seoul, April 18 (IANS) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's three-day visit to India starting Sunday is likely to serve as a significant milestone in enhancing India-South Korea bilateral relationship, extending beyond the economic sphere to include security, culture, and people-to-people connections, a report said on Saturday.

India reiterates peaceful resolution to Russia-Ukraine conflict

IANS | April 17, 2026 8:24 PM

New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov held a meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday, discussing bilateral ties and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Trump says Hormuz open, but Iran's blockade stays

IANS | April 17, 2026 7:28 PM

Washington, April 17 (IANS) The Strait of Hormuz has been declared “completely open” for commercial shipping during a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, even as the United States signalled it would maintain a targetted naval blockade on Iran, underscoring the fragile and conditional nature of the breakthrough.

West Asia conflict exposes deepening strains, imbalances and vulnerability of dependent economies

R K Raina | April 17, 2026 5:59 PM

New Delhi: The current stand-off between the United States and Iran has moved beyond a conventional strategic contest. It reflects a structural deadlock where both sides are holding positions that cannot be sustained for long. The United States continues to rely on financial restrictions, control over international channels, and pressure through sanctions. Iran has responded with refusal to renegotiate on nuclear conditions and by strengthening its reliance on geographical leverage, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.