Global News Brief: Diplomacy, Trade, and Regional Developments

International Diplomacy & Summits

• 💡 India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the 20th East Asia Summit, emphasizing growing multipolarity, concerns about supply chains, and the need for global conversations.
• 🎯 Minister Jaishankar conveyed India's support for the Gaza peace plan and an early end to the Ukraine conflict, while urging zero tolerance for terrorism.
• 🔑 India reiterated commitment to maritime cooperation in line with the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific, proposing an East Asia Summit maritime heritage festival in Lothal, Gujarat.
• 📌 On the sidelines, Jaishankar held discussions with Japanese Foreign Minister Noti Toshimitsu and met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanesei.

US Foreign Policy & Trade

• 🇺🇸 US President Donald Trump received a royal welcome from Japan's Emperor Naruhito and was set to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to strengthen the Japan-US alliance.
• 🤝 US and Chinese officials agreed on a trade deal framework ahead of a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, addressing export controls, fentanyl crisis, and averting further tariffs.
• 💬 The long-standing exchanges and mutual respect between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump were highlighted as a valuable strategic asset in China-US relations.
• 💰 President Trump also met Brazil's President Lula da Silva to discuss tariffs and resolve trade tensions.

Global Security & Regional Affairs

• ⚠️ Russia's defense ministry reported downing 193 Ukrainian drones overnight, while US President Trump criticized Russia's test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile.
• 🗳️ Cameroon's President Paul Biya won the presidential election with over 53% of the vote, despite opposition accusations of irregularities.
• 🏙️ The Asia-Pacific Cities Summit in Dubai gathered leaders to strengthen global city partnerships and promote innovation in sustainable urban development.

India's Engagements & Domestic Highlights

• 🇮🇳 India's Vice President CP Radhakrishnan visited Seychelles, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral partnership and a shared vision for the Indian Ocean region.
• ✈️ Seychelles' Principal Secretary for Tourism highlighted tourism's crucial role in fostering ties, noting a significant increase in Indian tourists due to new air connectivity.
• ✅ The Election Commission of India announced the commencement of the second phase of a special intensive revision for electoral rolls.
• 🌀 Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha prepared for Cyclone Monta's landfall, with the administration on maximum alert and central government support assured.