West Asia conflict exposes crack in US-led regional framework: Report

IANS | May 15, 2026 9:22 PM

Washington, May 15 (IANS) The West Asia conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has destabilised the security architecture in the region with far-reaching and unpredictable consequences. For years, the Gulf countries had depended on the US for their security, hosting American bases on their soil and procuring expensive US weaponry. However, Iranian attacks on these bases during the conflict raised questions over the effectiveness of US air defence systems, which have not delivered the level of protection anticipated, a report has mentioned.

Doctrine rejected by Pakistan during Op Sindoor now shapes its policy against Afghanistan: Report

IANS | May 15, 2026 9:01 PM

Washington, May 15 (IANS) Pakistan’s accusations of militant sanctuaries and assertions of a right to conduct cross-border strikes against Kabul are being made on weaker evidentiary grounds compared to India’s case in May 2025 during Operation Sindoor which was launched by the Indian military following the heinous Pahalgam terror attack carried out by a Pakistan-based terror group, a report has stated.

BRICS Chair's statement demonstrates broad consensus on international, regional issues: Chinese envoy

IANS | May 15, 2026 8:35 PM

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) China's Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong on Friday congratulated India for successfully hosting the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He stated that BRICS Chair's statement and outcome document demonstrate broad consensus on international and regional issues, the future development of BRICS and the reform of global governance and the multilateral system.

Judicial independence in Pakistan no longer secure: Report

IANS | May 15, 2026 7:46 PM

Islamabad, May 15 (IANS) The 26th and 27th Amendments have taken away judicial independence in Pakistan which had been guaranteed by the Constitution. Judicial independence in Pakistan is not secure and now lies in the hands of parliament and executive. Expressing concerns, the local media warned that action can be taken against judges at any stage if they do not act according to the orders issued by the executive.

Strategic Chabahar port symbol of India-Iran cooperation: Aragchi

IANS | May 15, 2026 7:33 PM

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) Calling Chabahar Port a symbol of cooperation between Iran and India, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi on Friday expressed confidence that the India-developed port will serve as "golden gate" for access to Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe.

Substantive outcomes will add further vigour to India-UAE friendship: PM Modi

IANS | May 15, 2026 6:58 PM

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the agreements signed between India and the United Arab Emirates would add “further vigour” to bilateral ties, after the two countries inked seven major agreements spanning energy, defence, technology, infrastructure and investments during his brief stopover in the Gulf nation.