Entertainment
Trump greets Modi on birthday, praises Ukraine diplomacy as trade row simmers
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received warm congratulations from US President Donald Trump on his birthday Tuesday and praise for his efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, as tense trade talks continued between the two countries.
“Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, describing his call with Modi as “wonderful” and praising India´s leader for doing a “tremendous job.”
Modi, posting on X, thanked Trump for his greetings, said he was determined to take bilateral ties to “new heights” and supports Trump´s efforts towards a “peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”
Ties between New Delhi and Washington have been under tension since Trump raised tariffs on most Indian exports to 50% last month in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
White House officials have accused Indian oil refiners of profiteering and argued that New Delhi’s decision to buy Russian crude has helped finance Moscow´s war in Ukraine.
But over the last week, the leaders of both countries have offered more conciliatory public statements and said they remain committed to continuing trade negotiations.
And on Tuesday, Indian and US trade officials held discussions in the capital, New Delhi.
The US delegation included Brendan Lynch, assistant trade representative for South and Central Asia.
“Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the US, the discussions were positive and forward looking covering various aspects of the trade deal,” an Indian commerce ministry statement said.
“It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement,” it added.
Despite being one of the first few countries to start trade negotiations with Washington, India has so far failed to secure a deal that would ease its tariff burden.
Exporters in the world’s most populous country have already warned of cancelled orders and potentially significant job losses.
Trump’s decision to mix issues of war and peace with trade by bumping up duties on most Indian goods from 25% to 50% has also complicated matters.
Experts believe that despite both sides pushing forward, a trade deal still will require tough negotiations.
“Any progress hinges on Washington rolling back the oil-linked 25% duty. Without that, no breakthrough is politically or economically viable,” Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative, a New Delhi-based think-tank, said in a note Tuesday.
Pakistan is reaching diplomatic heights unseen in its 78-year history. From Riyadh to Baku, from Beijing to Moscow, Pakistan’s handshake now spans continents and commands attention. From Jeddah to Doha, from Astana to Tashkent, Pakistan is anchoring a new arc of trust across the Muslim world. From London to Brussels, from Washington to Beijing, Pakistan is no longer on the margins; it’s back in the conversation.
From isolation to strategic embrace: a US reset unlocks access to multi-billion dollar programmes — EXIM, IMF, World Bank, DFC, IFC. A US reset means cheaper capital, longer tenors and revived investor confidence. A US reset brings technology transfers in energy, digital finance and renewables.
A US reset means $2.5 billion AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) missiles. A US reset is not just a foreign-policy shift but an economic lifeline wrapped in diplomacy.
There’s $3.5 billion in limited recourse project financing for Reko Diq by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Export-Import Bank (US EXIM), Export Development Canada (EDC), Germany’s KfW IPEX-Bank, Sweden’s EKN and Finland’s Finnvera Oyj.
A landmark Saudi Defence Pact marks Pakistan’s deepest Gulf tie in 78 years. Alongside the pact comes a $3 billion deposit extension, $2 billion worth of investment MoUs and a $1 billion oil facility. A $8 billion manpower-export deal and a China-Pakistan export of diesel-electric ‘Hangor class’ submarine deal (China-Pakistan deal is worth $5 billion).
The year (2025) saw $4.6 billion in JF-17 sales to Azerbaijan (June). 2025 saw a $230 million Sudan pact (May). The year saw $7 billion ML-1 rail confirmation. It saw a $2 billion Karachi-Rohri upgrade. It saw Pakistan-Kazakhstan transit-trade and logistics linkages. The year brought Pakistan-UAE trade escalation target of $20 billion.
Yes, Pakistan is all set to play a central role in shaping the emerging Middle East Security Architecture. Imagine, Pakistan is transitioning from ‘observer’ to ‘architect’.
For a common Pakistani, the $3.5 billion Reko Diq financing and $7 billion ML-1 rail upgrade, alongside $2 billion Karachi-Rohri upgrades, will create 100,000–200,000 jobs in mining, construction and logistics. For a common Pakistani, the $8 billion Saudi manpower-export deal and $20 billion UAE trade target could employ 300,000+ workers abroad. Yes, the $4.6 billion JF-17 sale to Azerbaijan, $230 million Sudan pact and a $2.5 billion AMRAAM deal signal a robust defence sector.
For the first time, Pakistan’s foreign policy, defence exports and economic outreach are moving in sync. For the first time, Pakistan is building alliances, not dependencies.
Imagine, Pakistan now has the ‘protector of the Ummah’ status. Imagine, Riyadh now sees Islamabad not just as a ‘partner in security’, but as a ‘co-architect of regional stability’. Imagine, Pakistan is moving from an ‘aid recipient’ to a ‘security guarantor’. Just imagine, from a ‘security recipient’ to a ‘security partner’.
The dividends of Pakistan’s diplomacy will be visible where it matters most — in employment, energy stability and public morale.
The writer is a columnist based in Islamabad. He tweets/posts @saleemfarrukh and can be reached at: [email protected]
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in this piece are the writer’s own and don’t necessarily reflect Geo.tv’s editorial policy.
Originally published in The News
Prince Harry has extended his support to King Charles as he makes a key decision for the future.
The Duke of Sussex is at peace as uncle Prince Andrew, has been exiled after bombshell allegations of sexual abuse.
The Sun reveals Harry has been in touch with his father and fully support his steps against Andrew.
A source said: “Camilla was told by someone close to her that further embarrassing emails were set to emerge — this time about Andrew’s finances.”
This comes after announcement for the Buckingham Palacesaid: “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
Donnie Wahlberg is celebrating his wife Jenny McCarthy’s 53rd birthday.
The 56-year-old actor and singer, who has been married to McCarthy since 2014, shared a lengthy post highlighting all the roles she plays in his life.
He wrote that she is his ride or die, partner, soulmate, best friend, favourite girl, and “the greatest mom” to their children. Donnie added that she is also the “coolest stepmom,” “loving dog mom,” and “most supportive supporter.”
He concluded, “Happy Birthday my love. I love you, respect you, admire you, cherish you… and look forward to every moment with you. May your birthday be more than you dream it to be as you have been more than I could have dreamed you to be!”
McCarthy has previously spoken about their relationship, saying their marriage still feels exciting even after seven years together. “We still Facetime-sleep together every night that we’re not together. We’re just lucky in love,” she said during her appearance on the Rachael Ray Show in 2021.
The couple also previously renewed their wedding vows at a lake house near their home.
Euro area unemployment stable at 6.3% in September: Eurostat
Diplomatic peak
Canada’s Lululemon & NFL launch officially licensed apparel collection
-
Politics1 week agoTrump slams ‘dirty’ Canada despite withdrawal of Reagan ad
-
Tech1 week agoDefect passivation strategy sets new performance benchmark for Sb₂S₃ solar cells
-
Business1 week ago47.7% of Mutual Fund Assets Now Invested Directly, ICRA Analytics Says
-
Sports1 week agoAlleged mob ties in NBA scandal recall La Cosa Nostra’s long shadow over sports
-
Tech1 week agoHow Data Centers Actually Work
-
Tech1 week agoMicrosoft removing support for Windows 10 could increase e-waste, cybersecurity threats
-
Fashion1 week agoNew Balance expands India footprint with Surat store launch
-
Entertainment1 week agoBook excerpt: “The Running Ground” by Nicholas Thompson