Trump says Russia, Ukraine to 'immediately start' negotiations on ceasefire

WASHINGTON, May 19: US President Donald Trump said his Monday phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin "went very well," adding that Moscow and Kyiv "will immediately start negotiations" aimed at reaching a ceasefire and ending the war.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump noted that the Vatican "as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations." He added, "Let the process begin!"

Meanwhile, Putin also said he and Donald Trump agreed that Moscow would present a "memorandum" — developed in coordination with Ukraine — outlining key positions for a "possible" future peace deal.

Putin made the remarks after a phone conversation with Trump that, according to him, lasted over two hours.

Referring to recent talks in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators, Putin said they had set the world on the "right path" toward ending the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

"Russia will propose and will be ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace agreement defining a range of positions," he told Russian media following his call with Trump.

He added that the document might include "the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement and so on -- including a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time if appropriate agreements are reached."

Putin did not provide any further details about the proposed "memorandum."

Ukraine, along with its Western allies, has been urging Russia to agree to a ceasefire — something Moscow has so far resisted.

Putin expressed gratitude to Trump for facilitating the first face-to-face talks between Kyiv and Moscow in over three years.

"Contact between participants of the meeting and negotiations in Istanbul -- this contact was restarted and it gives us the basis to think that on the whole we are on the right path," Putin said.

He said that both sides should make "maximum" efforts to reach "compromises that would suit all sides."

Putin also described his phone conversation with Trump as "very useful."

Joe Biden's First Post After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: 'We Are Strongest In The Broken Places'

NEW YORK, May 19: Former US President Joe Biden expressed gratitude for the "love and support" he received after revealing his diagnosis with prostate cancer. His office announced Sunday that he was diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer, with "metastasis to the bone," adding that he was reviewing his treatment options.

The finding came after the 82-year-old reported urinary symptoms, which led doctors to discover a nodule on his prostate.

In a post on X, Biden wrote, "Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places," accompanied by a photo with his wife Jill Biden. "Thank you for lifting us up with love and support," the post added.

Biden Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer

WASHINGTON, May 19: United States' former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, the Democrat's office announced on Sunday. The press statement said the Democratic leader was diagnosed with the disease after he experienced urinary symptoms, and a prostate nodule was found. Now, the Biden family was reviewing options for possible treatment plans.

"While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement said.

The 82-year-old leader's son, Beau Biden, also died of cancer in 2015. According to the statement, Biden's cancer was found to have "a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5)."

Prostate cancer that looks "very abnormal" is assigned the highest rating, Grade 5, according to the American Cancer Society. The Gleason Score goes up to 10, indicating the seriousness of Biden's disease.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, with the American Cancer Society reporting that one in eight men in the United States is diagnosed with it over their lifetime. While it is highly treatable if discovered early, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, the organisation said.

US President Donald Trump, who has long derided political rival Biden over his cognitive abilities, said he was "saddened" by the news.

"We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery," Republican Trump said on Truth Social, referring to Biden's wife, Jill Biden.

"Joe is a fighter," Biden's vice president, Kamala Harris, who stepped in as Democratic nominee in the battle against Trump after Biden dropped out of last year's presidential election, said in a post on X.

"I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery," she continued.

Former President Barack Obama also wished for Biden's full recovery in a message on X. "Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery," he wrote.

Trump says he will speak with Putin, Zelenskyy on Monday to stop ‘bloodbath’

WASHINGTON, May 17: US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will make phone calls to both of his counterparts Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, in a bid to end the ongoing “very violent” Russia-Ukraine war.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the discussions would focus on halting the “bloodbath” that he claimed is killing more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers each week, as well as trade matters. “THE SUBJECTS OF THE CALL WILL BE, STOPPING THE “BLOODBATH” THAT IS KILLING, ON AVERAGE, MORE THAN 5000 RUSSIAN AND UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS A WEEK, AND TRADE,” he wrote.

Trump said he will first speak with Putin at 10 am on Monday, followed by the telephonic conversation with Zelenskyy. “Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end. God bless us all!!!” he added.

The announcement came just a day after the first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in three years failed to produce a ceasefire. Trump had earlier cast doubt on the effectiveness of the Istanbul meeting, declaring that “nothing could happen” until he personally meets Putin.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, accused the Kremlin of sending “a weak and unprepared” delegation to the talks, suggesting Moscow was not serious about engaging in meaningful peace negotiations.

“Pressure must be exerted on Russia to stop the killings,” he said in post on X on Saturday after a Russian drone strike on a passenger van in northeastern Ukraine killed nine civilians. “Without tougher sanctions, without stronger pressure, Russia will not seek real diplomacy.”

“We are expecting strong sanctions against Russia from the United States, from Europe, and from all our partners. Diplomacy must start working,” Zelenskyy said, urging immediate action in the wake of the civilian deaths.

Trump, who has called for an urgent resolution to the war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, added that meaningful progress would not come without a direct leader-to-leader conversation. “I don’t believe anything’s going to happen, whether you like it or not, until he and I get together,” he said.

Trump doubles down on India-Pakistan ceasefire claim, uses ‘very nasty N word’

WASHINGTON, May 17: US President Donald Trump has once again claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan, stating that the tensions escalated to a dangerously high level, nearly reaching what he preferred to call the “n word”, a reference to nuclear conflict.

Donald Trump called his alleged role in the ceasefire understanding “one of the biggest successes he has ever been given credit for”.

Notably, Trump and the US administration's claims on brokering the ceasefire have been denied by the Indian government indirectly in an official statement. The Indian government and the Indian Army maintained that the ceasefire understanding was reached through bilateral talks between the DGsMO of India and Pakistan.

The US President claimed that the tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack escalated dangerously and were close to reaching the point of a nuclear conflict.

"It was getting deeper. Everyone was stronger, stronger to a point where the next one was gonna be, you know what... the n word," Trump said during the interview.

"You know what the n word is, right? It's the N word. That’s a very nasty word, right? In a lot of ways. The n word used in a nuclear sense."

The Trump administration's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan on the longstanding Kashmir issue was earlier met with a strong pushback, after which Washington backed "direct bilateral communication.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s long-standing position has been that any issues related to Jammu and Kashmir “have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally".

Trump claims India willing to cut 100% tariffs on US goods

WASHINGTON, May 17: US President Donald Trump claimed that India offered to remove all tariffs on American goods, but added that he was in no rush to formalise a trade deal despite the apparent breakthrough. If confirmed, India's offer would mark a striking concession from the world’s fourth-largest economy.

However, reacting to Donald Trump's claim that India has offered a trade deal with “literally zero tariffs”, external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the ongoing negotiations are complex and far from final.

"Between India and the US, trade talks have been going on. These are complicated negotiations. Nothing is decided till everything is. Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial; it has to work for both countries. That would be our expectation from the trade deal. Until that is done, any judgment on it would be premature," S Jaishankar said while speaking to reporters.

In an interview with Fox News on Friday, Donald Trump said India is a top example of a country with barriers he is determined to dismantle.

“They make it almost impossible to do business. Do you know they’re willing to cut 100% of their tariffs for the United States?” the president said.

But Trump also sent mixed signals on how close a deal could be, saying, “That’ll come soon. I’m in no rush. Look, everybody wants to make a deal with us.”

He added that he is not planning to “make deals with everybody.”

Trump’s remarks suggest that while some countries may be signalling readiness to reset their trade relationship with the United States before a pause on higher import duties expires in July, some of these nations might have to witness the US making unilateral decisions about the rates they will face.

The comments come as the Trump team eyes a broader reshaping of global trade dynamics. Earlier Friday, Trump said he is planning to set new import duty rates for trading partners over the “over next two to three weeks.”

Trump said he also dangled the prospect of expanded trade with India’s rival Pakistan.

The President previously said it was a factor in the US effort to broker a ceasefire understanding between the two countries amid their ongoing border disputes following the Pahalgam terror attack in India.

“I’m using trade to settle scores and make peace,” Trump said.

The US has also sought to de-escalate a trade fight with China, a move Trump framed as an act of generosity to the world’s second-largest economy. After recent talks, the US slashed its rate on China to 30% from 145%, and Beijing lowered its tariff levels from 125% to 10%, with the countries looking toward further discussions.

“If I didn’t do that deal with China, I think China would have broken apart,” Trump said.

Trump Secures $200 Billion UAE Deals

ABU DHABI, May 16: US President Trump announced over USD 200 billion in commercial deals between the United States and the United Arab Emirates--bringing the total of investment agreements in the Gulf region to over USD 2 trillion.

President Trump arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, following earlier visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar as part of his tour of the Middle East. He was received at Abu Dhabi International Airport by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

As per the White House, Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a USD 14.5 billion commitment from Etihad Airways to invest in 28 American-made Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines. With the inclusion of the next-generation 777X in its fleet plan, the investment deepens the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fueling American manufacturing, driving exports, and supporting 60,000 US jobs.

In Oklahoma, Emirates Global Aluminium will invest to develop a USD 4 billion primary aluminum smelter project, one of the first new aluminum smelters in America in 45 years, that will create a thousand jobs in America, strengthen critical mineral supply chains, and double current US production capacity.

ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources are partnering with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for expanded oil and natural gas production valued at USD 60 billion that will help lower energy costs and create hundreds of skilled jobs in both countries.

Holtec International and IHC Industrial Holding Company (IHC) are entering cooperation to build a fleet of Holtec's SMR-300 small modular reactors, starting at the Palisades site in Michigan. This agreement includes a commitment of $10 billion, and an additional USD 20 billion for fleet projects, helping to revitalize American nuclear energy infrastructure, strengthen domestic energy security, and create high-skilled jobs in engineering, construction, and advanced manufacturing across the United States.

"Today's deals strengthen the US-UAE investment and trade relationship and build on the UAE's landmark commitment to a 10-year, USD 1.4 trillion investment framework that will contribute to the US boom in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, quantum computing, biotechnology, and manufacturing. The US and UAE signed an AI agreement today that supports the $1.4 trillion investment commitment secured in March. This includes the UAE committing to invest in, build, or finance US data centers that are at least as large and as powerful as those in the UAE," the White House in a statement said.

It added, "The agreement also contains historic commitments by the UAE to further align their national security regulations with the United States, including strong protections to prevent the diversion of US-origin technology. The US-UAE AI agreement strengthens bilateral investment partnerships, ensuring US security interests and dominance in AI while extending the American tech stack to an important strategic partner."

Meanwhile, Burj Khalifa was illuminated in the colours of the American flag, and streets throughout Dubai were also decorated with both US and UAE flags.

Sharing a post on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office said, "Burj Khalifa is illuminated in the colours of the American flag to mark the visit of US President @realDonaldTrump to the United Arab Emirates."

In another post, it said, "Dubai's streets are decorated with the colours of the United Arab Emirates and United States flags, marking the visit of US President Donald Trump to the country."

The White House also shared an image of the Burj Khalifa illuminated in the colours of the American flag.

In a post on X, "The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, just saluted America and President Trump--in red, white, and blue."

Trump secures $243.5 billion in economic deals during Qatar visit

DOHA, May 15: US President Donald J. Trump signed a landmark agreement with Qatar on Wednesday to generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion, highlighting his second stop in a high-profile Middle East tour.

During the visit, Trump announced economic deals totalling more than $243.5 billion between the United States and Qatar, including a historic sale of Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines to Qatar Airways.

The centrepiece of these agreements is Qatar Airways’ purchase of 160 Boeing jets worth $200 billion, signed in Doha in the presence of Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a landmark order from Qatar Airways, including a $96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. This represents Boeing’s largest-ever widebody order and largest-ever 787 order, supporting an estimated 154,000 U.S. jobs annually, amounting to over one million jobs during the production and delivery period.

The agreements extend beyond aviation into energy, defence, and technology sectors. McDermott continues its strong partnership with Qatar Energy, currently managing seven active projects worth $8.5 billion as the sole provider of offshore components for Qatar’s major LNG expansion. Engineering firm Parsons has secured 30 projects worth up to $97 billion, while Quantinuum has finalised a joint venture agreement with Al Rabban Capital that will see Qatar invest up to $1 billion in quantum technologies.

Significant defence deals were also announced during the visit. Raytheon secured a $1 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of counter-drone capabilities, establishing Qatar as the first international customer for Raytheon’s Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System. General Atomics secured a nearly $2 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system. Additionally, the United States and Qatar signed a statement of intent outlining over $38 billion in potential investments, including support for Al Udeid Air Base and future defence capabilities.

Qatar, which holds the world’s third-largest proven reserves of natural gas, has already made substantial investments in American energy infrastructure. Since 2019, QatarEnergy has invested $18 billion in the U.S. energy sector, including ExxonMobil’s Golden Pass LNG Terminal ($10 billion) and Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Golden Triangle Polymers Plant ($8 billion), both located on the Texas Gulf Coast.

The United States maintained a $2 billion trade surplus with Qatar in 2024, continuing a positive trade balance that has existed since 2003. Last year, U.S.-Qatar trade totalled $5.64 billion, with $3.8 billion in U.S. exports and $1.8 billion in Qatari imports. Qatar’s greenfield investment in the United States totalled $3.3 billion in 2023, focused on hotels and tourism, information technology, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and oil and gas.

This visit’s agreements build on the $600 billion investment commitment Trump secured in Saudi Arabia during the first leg of his Gulf tour, furthering his administration’s efforts to revitalise American manufacturing and create high-paying jobs across the nation.

Trump Meets President Ahmad al-Sharaa; Lifts Sanctions on Syria

By Deepak Arora

RIYADH, May 14: US President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and lifted sanctions on Syria, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt'

She informed that President Trump met the Syrian President at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. President Erdogan of Turkey joined by phone.

The Press Secretary informed Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi Arabia to encourage peace and prosperity in Syria.

She informed that the Crown Prince also commended President Trump for his decision to lift the sanctions, calling it courageous.

President Trump thanked President Erdogan and the Crown Prince for their friendship, and told President Al-Sharaa that he has a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country.

President Trump encouraged President Al-Sharaa to do a great job for the Syrian people, and urged him to:

1. Sign onto the Abraham Accords with Israel
2. Tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria
3. Deport Palestinian terrorists
4. Help the United States to prevent the resurgence of ISIS
5. Assume responsibility for ISIS detention centers in Northeast Syria

President Al-Sharaa thanked President Trump, the Crown Prince, and President Erdogan for their efforts to put together the meeting, and recognized the significant opportunity presented by the Iranians leaving Syria, as well as shared U.S.-Syrian interests in countering terrorism and eliminating chemical weapons.

President Al-Sharaa affirmed his commitment to the 1974 disengagement with Israel. President Al-Sharaa concluded with his hope that Syria would serve as a critical link in facilitating trade between east and west, and invited American companies to invest in Syrian oil and gas.

The Russia-Ukraine war and the war in Gaza was also discussed, informed the Press Secretary.

It may be mentioned that the sanctions being lifted and today's historic meeting has opened a new era in the Middle East (Gulf) and West Asia. Ahmad al-Sharaa's meteoric rise from a UN-designated global terrorist to Syria's new President - now with formal ties with America - is perhaps the most astonishing turnarounds in geopolitical history.

Syria's Foreign Ministry has hailed Donald Trump's announcement today as a "pivotal turning point" in the country's journey. A statement released by their foreign office said, "The removal of these sanctions offers a vital opportunity for Syria to pursue stability, self-sufficiency and meaningful national reconstruction, led by and for the Syrian people."

US, Saudi Arabia ink historic $142 billion arms deal during Trump's Riyadh visit

WASHINGTON, May 13: The US and Saudi Arabia signed a massive arms deal, amounting to nearly $142 billion, an agreement being called by the White House as the largest in history.

In a statement, the White House said, “The United States and Saudi Arabia signed the largest defence sales agreement in history - nearly $142 billion, providing Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art warfighting equipment”.

The signing took place during Donald Trump’s bilateral visit to Saudi Arabia. The defence deal includes military systems, arms and services. The agreement also includes other commercial deals, exports of gas turbines.

Trump’s visit to the Middle East, includes planned stops in Qatar and the UAE. It is centered mainly on economic issues, and the US President will also be hoping to secure other major deals to increase investment from wealthy Gulf countries into the American economy.

Previously, Saudi Arabia announced plans to invest $600 billion in the US over the next four years. Meanwhile, Trump has said that he hopes it goes up to $1 trillion. He landed in Riyadh on Tuesday morning for his first official visit of his second term. Trump’s 2017 visit to Saudi Arabia showcased his close-ties to the oil-rich Gulf country.

In the first week of May, US also gave initial approval to sell $3.3 billion worth of air-to-air missiles for Saudi Arabia’s fighter jets. The sale is also expected to be included in this arms deal. The sale consists of 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium range air-to-air missles, guidance systems and other technical support. The missiles will be built by RTX Corp of Tucson, Ariz.

In a statement after approval of the sale, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency said, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region.”

US, China Reach Deal To Slash Reciprocal Tariffs

GENEVA, May 12: The US and China will temporarily lower tariffs on each other's products, according to a joint statement released in Geneva, in a move to cool trade tensions and give the world's two largest economies three more months to resolve their differences.

The combined 145% US levies on most Chinese imports will be reduced to 30% including the rate tied to fentanyl by May 14, while the 125% Chinese duties on US goods will drop to 10%, according to the statement and officials in a briefing Monday.

"We had a very robust and productive discussion on steps forward on fentanyl," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. "We are in agreement that neither side wants to decouple."

The statement also said "the parties will establish a mechanism to continue discussions about economic and trade relations."

The announcement represents a step toward de-escalating a tariff war that has led to an immediate slump in trade across the Pacific Ocean. The two countries had earlier reported "substantial progress" in their talks, which buoyed markets and helped Chinese stocks recoup their losses since President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement of tariffs on April 2.

Trade Representive Jamieson Greer said the US wants to have more balanced trade with China.

The White House called the agreement a "trade deal" in an initial statement on Sunday, but it is still unclear what an acceptable goal is for both sides or how long it will take to get there. China previously demanded that the US remove all the tariffs it has imposed this year, which is incompatible with the US objective of reducing or ending the trade deficit.

While markets greeted recent reports of progress, history suggests that it could take a long time to reach a detailed agreement, if one is possible. In 2018, the two sides also agreed to put their dispute "on hold" after a round of negotiations, but the US soon backed away from that deal, leading to more than 18 months of further tariffs and talks before the signing of the "Phase One" trade deal in January 2020.

In the end, China failed to live up to the purchase agreement in that deal and the US trade deficit with China jumped during the pandemic, setting up the current trade war.

Trump on India-Pakistan ceasefire: 'Will work with both nations on Kashmir solution'

WASHINGTON, May 11: US President Donald Trump on Sunday morning hailed the ceasefire “understanding” between India and Pakistan after four days of intense hostilities over the Pahalgam terror attack, saying the aggression could have led to the deaths of millions.

He said he would increase trade with the two estranged neighbours and work with them to find a solution to the Kashmir issue.

Trump on Saturday evening announced in a social media post that India and Pakistan had agreed to end their military actions against each other after US-mediated talks. However, India said the ceasefire understanding was arrived at after direct engagement with Pakistan.

“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions. I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade substantially with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a “thousand years,” a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done,” Trump wrote today on Truth Social.

'Total reset negotiated': Trump hails US-China tariff de-escalation talks

WASHINGTON, May 11: US President Donald Trump on Sunday called for a "total reset" of his nation's strained trade relations with China after officials of the two largest economies in the world met in Geneva to de-escalate tensions sparked by the tariff rollout. He claimed "great progress" was made during the talks, where "many things were discussed and agreed to".

"A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things discussed, much agreed to. A total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner. We want to see, for the good of both China and the U.S., an opening up of China to American business. GREAT PROGRESS MADE," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Donald Trump's tariff push upended the global markets. It also started a trade war of sorts, with the US and China imposing crippling tariffs on each other's imports.

On Saturday, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent and trade representative Jamieson Greer met with Chinese vice premier He Lifeng to iron out differences over tariffs. It was the first such negotiations between the world's two largest economies since Trump slapped steep new levies on China last month.

The discussions are expected to continue on Sunday in Geneva. "The contact in Switzerland is an important step in promoting the resolution of the issue," a commentary published by China's state news agency Xinhua said.

The closed-door negotiations took place at the residence of the Swiss ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, a discreet villa with sky blue shutters near a large park on the left bank of Lake Geneva.

Donald Trump has levied a total of 145 percent tariffs; on some items, they exceeded 245 percent. In retaliation, China slapped 125 percent levies on US goods.

The US president on Friday signaled that he may lower the tariffs, as he said on social media that 80 percent levies on China "seems right".

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Fox News the same day that the president would like to de-escalate the situation with China.

Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, however, clarified that the United States would not lower tariffs unilaterally and that China would need to make concessions.

JD Vance Says 'None Of Our Business'; US To Stay Out Of India-Pak Conflict

WASHINGTON, May 9: US Vice-President J.D. Vance has said that the conflict between India and Pakistan is "fundamentally none of our business," though he and President Donald Trump are encouraging both the countries to de-escalate.

"What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit, but we're not going to get involved in the middle of war that's fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America's ability to control it. You know, America can't tell the Indians to lay down their arms. We can't tell the Pakistanis to lay down their arms. And so, we're going to continue to pursue this thing through diplomatic channels," Vance, who has been a proponent of US disengagement from international conflicts, said in an interview with Fox News.

"Our hope and our expectation is that this is not going to spiral into a broader regional war or, God forbid, a nuclear conflict," Vance added.

"Right now, we don't think that's going to happen."

The remarks by Vance came as Pakistan made a failed attempt to attack military establishment in Jammu, Pathankot and several other cities.

India's air defence system intercepted and neutralised at least eight missiles launched by Islamabad.

Trump announces new trade deal with UK

WASHINGTON, May 8: US President Donald Trump on Thursday has agreed to reduce tariffs on UK automobiles, steel, and aluminum as part of a planned trade deal, in exchange for increased British imports of American beef and both sides gaining better access to agriculture markets.

Trump said from the White House that his government has reached a trade agreement with the United Kingdom. The deal affirms that “reciprocity and fairness is a vital principle of international trade” and increases access for US agricultural products, Trump said, though he added that the final details were still being written up.

The announcement provided a political victory for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and provided a degree of validation for Trump’s claims that his turbulent approach to trade may be able to rebalance the global economy on his preferred terms.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the baseline 10 per cent tariffs would stay in place, while UK officials said that Trump’s auto tariffs would go from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent on a quota of 100,000 vehicles and the import taxes on steel and aluminum would go from 25 per cent to zero.

Lutnick said British companies will now be able to export plane parts to the United States tariff-free. In return, a British airline is expected to buy $10 billion of Boeing aeroplanes.

“The final details are being written up,” Trump said. “In the coming weeks, we’ll have it all very conclusive.” The president said that the agreement would lead to more beef and ethanol exports to the UK, which would also streamline the processing of US goods through customs.

The British government said there would be “reciprocal market access on beef” with British farmers given a tariff free quota for 13,000 metric tonnes. Britain will also remove tariffs on US ethanol – which is used to produce beer.

The two sides will continue trying to agree a broader deal that will cover pharmaceuticals and reducing the remaining reciprocal tariffs. The US has also agreed that the UK will get preferential treatment in any further tariffs imposed as part of Section 232 investigations which give the US president powers to restrict imports if they are found to threaten national security.

Starmer, speaking over the phone to Trump, stressed the importance of the relationship between the two countries as the anniversary of the World War II victory in Europe was being commemorated.

“To be able to announce this great deal on the same deal 80 years forward, almost at the same hour and as we were 80 years ago with the UK and the US standing side by side, I think is incredibly important,” Starmer said.

The planned deal was the first outlined since Trump began his stutter-step efforts to rewire the global economy by dramatically increasing import taxes in an attempt to increase domestic manufacturing.

JD Vance Asks Pakistan To ‘Cooperate’ With India To Hunt Down Terrorists

WASHINGTON, May 2: United States Vice President JD Vance has expressed hope that the Pahalgam terrorist attack does not lead to a “broader regional conflict”. The attack happened when JD Vance was on his first official visit to India with his family from April 21 to 24.

He also urged Pakistan to cooperate with India and hunt down terrorists that “sometimes” operate in their territory.

JD Vance made the remarks during his interview with Fox News. When asked whether he was worried about India and Pakistan, Vance said, “Sure, I am worried about any time you see a hotspot breaking out, especially between two nuclear powers. We have obviously been in close contact with our friends in India and Pakistan.”

US Asks India, Pak To De-escalate Tensions

WASHINGTON, May 1: Amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the United States has encouraged New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate tensions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, reaffirming the US's commitment to cooperate with India against terrorism and urging Pakistan's cooperation in investigating the "unconscionable" attack in Kashmir.

The United States' top envoy asked the leaders of both nuclear-powered neighbours to work to de-escalate tensions between them.

During a call with Jaishankar, Rubio voiced solidarity with New Delhi and expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He also reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism, but also encouraged caution as India accuses Pakistan of backing the attack and calls for retaliation, according to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Rubio encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia.

After the call, Jaishankar posted on X that "perpetrators, backers and planners" of the attack "must be brought to justice."

While on call with Prime Minister Sharif, Rubio asked Pakistan to condemn the attack in Kashmir on April 22 and cooperate in an investigation. The US Secretary of State "urged Pakistani officials' cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack, Ms Bruce said.

Rubio told the Pakistani Prime Minister to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia.

"Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence. The Secretary urged Pakistani officials' cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack," said Ms Bruce.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack after The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for it.

Pakistan, meanwhile, denies responsibility and has called for a neutral probe.

In public, Washington expressed support for India after the attack that was condemned by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, but it has not criticised Pakistan. India is an increasingly important US partner as Washington aims to counter China's rising influence, meanwhile, Pakistan remains Washington's ally even as its importance diminished after the 2021 US withdrawal from neighbouring Afghanistan.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, India has taken a raft of measures, downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan. As intelligence reports reportedly place Pakistan-based groups behind the Pahalgam attack, New Delhi has suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960--a historic first-- and revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. The Wagah-Attari border has also been closed amid a tense relationship between the two nuclear powers.

Trump hints at ‘potential trade deals’ with India, South Korea, Japan

WASHINGTON, May 1: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he has “potential” trade deals with India, South Korea and Japan as he seeks to convert his tariff policy into trade agreements.

Trump said he was in no rush to conclude the deals because the United States is reaping the benefits of the tariffs he has imposed.

“I’m in less of a hurry than you are. We are sitting on the catbird seat. They want us. We don’t need them,” he said.

In Rajnath Singh-Pete Hegseth Call, US Backs India's Right To Defend Itself

NEW DELHI, May 1: In a call with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sent out a strong message of solidarity after the Pahalgam terror attack and said that the US supports "India's right to defend itself".

The US Secretary of Defence "expressed condolences for the loss of lives and solidarity with India in the wake of the dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam."

Hegseth "reiterated full support of the US government in India's fight against terrorism." He said that the US stands in solidarity with India and supports India's right to defend itself.

Singh told Hegseth that "Pakistan has a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations. Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism."

"It is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn and call out such heinous acts of terrorism," Singh added.

It comes against the backdrop of Pakistan's repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control for the seventh consecutive night. The unprovoked firing took place in the Kupwara, Uri and the Akhnoor sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.

Deal With India Close But Not There Yet: Top US Trade Negotiator

WASHINGTON, May 1: India and the US are close to a trade deal but they are not there yet, the top US trade negotiator said on Wednesday.

US media and policy circles have been agog with talk of a US-India trade deal as the first to be announced in the rush for agreements to beat President Donald Trump's 90-day pause in the implementation of his sweeping levies on nearly all of America's trading partner countries.

"I wouldn't say finish line (but) close," Jamieson Greer, the US Trade Representative, told Fox News, when asked in an interview if a deal with India was close to the finish line.

"I have a standing call with India's Trade Minister. I sent my team to India for a week. They were here last week and I met with their chief negotiator," he added.

Asked about US Vice-President J.D. Vance's visit to India, Greer referred to the announcement by the two sides of a framework for trade negotiations between the two sides.

Greer is an old hand at the office of the US Trade Representative.

He served as Chief of Staff to Robert Lighthizer, the US Trade Representative in President Donald Trump's first term, when the US and India came very close to the finish line on a trade deal.

A deal was to be announced and signed during President Trump's visit to India in February 2020, but it fell through despite protracted and tough negotiations.

Top Indian trade negotiators blamed the US for it, alleging they "kept changing the goalpost".

Greer seemed far more bullish about a trade deal with South Korea in the present flush of negotiations, saying they have been most forward looking and the US strategy has been to go with the most ambitious proposals on the table.

US Signs Historic Deal That Gives It Access To Ukraine's Natural Resources

WASHINGTON, May 1: Ukraine and the US on Wednesday signed a deal heavily promoted by US President Donald Trump that will give the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and fund investment in Ukraine's reconstruction.

The two countries signed the accord in Washington after months of sometimes fraught negotiations, with uncertainty persisting until the last moment with word of an eleventh-hour snag.

The accord establishes a joint investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction as Trump tries to secure a peace settlement in Russia's three-year-old war in Ukraine.

The agreement is central to Kyiv's efforts to mend ties with Trump and the White House, which frayed after he took office in January. Ukrainian officials have hoped that the deal would ensure continued US support for Ukraine's defence against Russia.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko were shown signing the agreement in a photo posted on X by the Treasury, which said the deal "clearly signals the Trump Administration's commitment to a free, sovereign, prosperous Ukraine."

Svyrydenko wrote on X that the accord provides for Washington to contribute to the fund.

"In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide NEW assistance - for example air defense systems for Ukraine," she said. Washington did not directly address that suggestion.

The U.S. has been Ukraine's single largest military donor since Russia's 2022 invasion with aid of more than 64 billion euros ($72 billion), according to the Kiel Institute in Germany.

Before the signing, Trump repeated on Wednesday that the US should get something for its aid to Kyiv, thus the effort to secure a deal for Ukraine's plentiful deposits of rare earth minerals.

In announcing the deal, the US Treasury said the partnership recognized "the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion."

Svyrydenko said the accord allowed Ukraine to "determine what and where to extract" and that its subsoil remains owned by Ukraine.

Ukraine is rich in natural resources including rare earth metals which are used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles and military applications, among others. Global rare-earth mining is currently dominated by China, which is locked in a trade war with the US after Trump's sharp tariff increases.

Ukraine also has large reserves of iron, uranium and natural gas.

Svyrydenko said Ukraine has no debt obligations to the United States under the agreement, a key point in the lengthy negotiations between the two countries.

The deal also, she said, complied with Ukraine's constitution and Ukraine's campaign to join the European Union, key elements in Ukraine's negotiating position.