Rubio discusses Yemen with UAE, Saudi leaders

IANS | December 31, 2025 6:22 AM

Washington, Dec 31 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate phone calls with the top diplomats of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, focusing on the deteriorating situation in Yemen and broader concerns affecting regional security and stability, according to official US readouts.

India’s centrality in Indo-Pacific a strategic prize that must be continuously earned: Report

IANS | December 30, 2025 8:59 PM

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) India is no longer a peripheral player in the affairs of Indo-Pacific but is becoming the fulcrum upon which regional stability and prosperity relies. India's centrality in the Indo-Pacific is a strategic prize that must be continuously earned through investment in maritime capabilities, diplomatic engagement and economic integration, a report has detailed.

Experts reckon holding inclusive election would honour former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's legacy

IANS | December 30, 2025 8:21 PM

Dhaka, Dec 30 (IANS) Expressing grief over the passing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, on Tuesday said her legacy should be honoured through inclusive elections to be held in February 2026, with the participation of the Awami League. Sikri noted that both the former Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, had fought side by side to restore democracy in the country.

US-led strikes net 25 ISIS operatives in Syria

IANS | December 30, 2025 8:04 PM

Washington, Dec. 30 (IANS) US and partner forces have killed or captured nearly 25 ISIS operatives in Syria following a large-scale strike earlier this month, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

IANS Year Ender 2025: Asia to Africa and beyond, nations struggle to navigate deadly conflicts

IANS | December 30, 2025 6:51 PM

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) Conflicts and geopolitical turbulence in 2025 stretched from Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East to parts of Europe and Africa, with peace remaining largely elusive. These conflicts resulted in global instability and sparked a severe humanitarian crisis amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical security landscape. Notwithstanding the peace initiatives, several regions remained engulfed in violence.

EAM Jaishankar to represent India at Khaleda Zia's funeral

IANS | December 30, 2025 6:10 PM

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will represent the government and people of India at the funeral of Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who passed away in Dhaka, on Tuesday.