Digest for 03 July, 2025
India and US to Sign New 10-Year Defence Partnership Framework
India and the United States will sign a new 10-year defence partnership framework later this year, the Pentagon announced following a phone call between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth. The agreement aims to significantly expand strategic and defence ties, building on progress in military exchanges, training, and defence industry collaboration. The ministers also discussed major pending US defence sales to India and expediting the delivery of GE jet engines for India's Tejas aircraft.
India Signals Firm Anti-Terror Stance at Quad Meeting in Washington
Following a Quad foreign ministers' meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India's recent 'Operation Sindoor' conveyed with “great clarity” that it will act decisively against terrorism. The joint Quad statement strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam attack and called for perpetrators to be brought to justice. Jaishankar emphasized that India has a right to defend itself and expects partners to understand this position, reinforcing the country's assertive stance on cross-border terrorism on a major international platform.
Three Indian Nationals Abducted by Militants in Mali
Three Indian nationals employed at a cement factory in Kayes, Mali, have been abducted during a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. An Al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, has claimed responsibility for the wave of assaults across the West African nation. India's Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the act and urged the Malian government to take all necessary measures for the safe and swift release of the hostages. The Indian embassy is in contact with local authorities and the victims' families.
Ghana Confers National Honour on PM Modi During State Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', the country's national honour, by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra. The award recognizes Modi's statesmanship and global leadership. During the visit, the first by an Indian PM in three decades, the two nations elevated their ties to a 'comprehensive partnership' and signed several MoUs to enhance cooperation in culture and standards certification. The visit underscores India's strengthening diplomatic engagement with African nations.
Ferry Sinks Near Bali, Leaving at Least 4 Dead and Dozens Missing
A ferry carrying 65 people sank late Wednesday while en route from East Java to Bali, Indonesia. At least four people are confirmed dead and around 30 remain missing, according to the country's search and rescue agency. Rescue operations are underway for the 31 known survivors, but efforts are being hampered by strong currents and winds. The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members. Such accidents are frequent in the Indonesian archipelago due to lax safety standards.