Iran war fuels US inflation fears

IANS | May 18, 2026 12:51 AM

Washington, May 18 (IANS) Rising fuel prices and growing economic anxiety linked to the Iran conflict are beginning to create political problems for President Donald Trump and Republicans ahead of the US midterm elections, according to media.

China bigger threat than USSR: Ex-US Defence Secy

IANS | May 18, 2026 12:33 AM

Washington, May 18 (IANS) Former US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has warned that the United States is facing one of the most dangerous periods in its modern history, saying that China poses a broader and more formidable challenge than the Soviet Union ever did.

India, Sweden to continue fight against terrorism and its backers: PM Modi

IANS | May 17, 2026 11:50 PM

Gothenburg (Sweden), May 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed gratitude to his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson for the support India received from Sweden following the dastardly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam last year, saying that "both the countries will continue to fight against terrorism in all its forms as well as its supporters".

US may need wartime footing to counter China: Former Defence Secy

IANS | May 17, 2026 11:46 PM

Washington, May 17 (IANS) Former US Defence Secretary Robert Gates warned on Sunday that the United States may need to shift toward a wartime-style defence production model to counter China's growing military power and replenish critical weapons stockpiles depleted by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.

Trump may use Taiwan arms as China leverage: US envoy

IANS | May 17, 2026 9:53 PM

Washington, May 17 (IANS) Concerns are growing in Taiwan after President Donald Trump indicated that future US arms sales to Taipei could become part of broader negotiations with China following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Trump-Xi summit ends without breakthroughs: Experts

IANS | May 17, 2026 9:36 PM

Washington, May 17 (IANS) US President Donald Trump returned from a high-profile summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping facing growing questions over whether the closely watched meeting produced any major strategic breakthroughs between the world's two largest powers, according to experts.

Pakistan: BLA claims control of Dalbandin city and Quetta-Taftan highway

IANS | May 17, 2026 3:37 PM

Quetta, May 17 (IANS) The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has said that its fighters had "taken control" of Dalbandin city and the Quetta-Taftan main highway in Pakistan's Balochistan and warned mineral transporters that convoys carrying what it termed "looted Baloch resources" would no longer be able to travel through the route, local media reported on Sunday.