Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump on Wednesday the decision by India and Pakistan to halt military actions in May was made directly during talks between the armies of the two sides and without any mediation by the US, pushing back against the American leader’s claims that he brokered a ceasefire. The conversation between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump lasted for nearly 35 minutes.

The issue figured in a phone conversation initiated at Trump’s request after the two leaders were unable to meet on the margins of the G7 Summit in Canada because of the US president’s return to the US ahead of schedule, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.

During the 35-minute conversation, Modi told Trump that “India has never accepted mediation, does not and will never do so”, Misri said, speaking in Hindi. Modi made it clear to Trump that during the entire episode of the four days of military clashes between the two countries during May 7-10, issues such as the “India-US trade deal or mediation by the US between India and Pakistan” were not discussed “at no time [or] at any level”.

Trump was the first to announce the halting of hostilities between India and Pakistan on May 10 and an official American readout had even described the development as a ceasefire brokered by the US. Since then, Trump has claimed on more than a dozen occasions that he got India and Pakistan to stop fighting, and that he used the threat of stopping trade with both countries in these efforts.

This is the first time Modi’s remarks on the issue have been made public, and in the past, only officials had dismissed reports of a US role in the understanding between India and Pakistan to stop the hostilities that erupted after New Delhi launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack of April 22 that killed 26 civilians.

The Indian strikes of May 7 led to four days of intense clashes that saw both sides using missiles, drones and long-range weapons to target each other’s military facilities. The Indian side doesn’t refer to the understanding to halt hostilities, reached by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries, as a ceasefire and has also said that Operation Sindoor has not ended.

Misri said a meeting between Modi and Trump was scheduled on the margins of the G7 Summit but couldn’t be held when the US President returned to America early. “Subsequently, at the request of President Trump, the two leaders spoke on the phone today,” he said.

This was the first conversation between the two leaders since Trump expressed condolences to Modi over phone after the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed his support in the fight against terrorism. “Therefore, Prime Minister Modi talked to President Trump in detail about Operation Sindoor,” Misri said.

Modi told Trump that after the Pahalgam attack, India “conveyed to the entire world its determination to take action against terrorism”. Modi said India targeted only terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. “India’s actions were very measured, precise, and non-escalatory,” Misri said.

India also made it clear that it would “respond to Pakistan’s bullet with a cannon shell”, and on the night of May 9, US vice president JD Vance called Modi and said Pakistan “could launch a major attack on India”, Misri said.

Modi told Vance “in clear words that if this happens, India will give an even bigger reply to Pakistan”. Subsequently, India responded strongly to Pakistan’s attack on the night of May 9-10, inflicting heavy damage on Pakistan’s military and making its military airbases “inoperable”.

“Due to India’s strong response, Pakistan had to request India to stop military action. Prime Minister Modi made it clear to President Trump that during this entire episode, at no time, at any level, were issues such as India-US trade deal or mediation by the US between India and Pakistan discussed,” Misri said.

“The decision to halt military action was made directly between India and Pakistan, through existing channels of the two armies, and was made at the request of Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi stressed that India has never accepted mediation, does not and will never do so. There is complete political consensus in India on this issue,” he said.

Misri said Trump “understood the points made in detail” by Modi and expressed support for India’s fight against terrorism. Modi also said India “now sees terrorism as a war and not a proxy war, and India’s Operation Sindoor is still ongoing”.

Trump asked Modi if he could stop in the US on his way back from Canada, but Modi expressed his inability “due to pre-scheduled engagements”, Misri said. Modi travelled to Croatia from Canada for the last leg of a three-nation tour.

Misri said the two leaders decided they would try to meet in the near future. Trump and Modi also discussed the conflict between Israel and Iran and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Misri said both leaders agreed that direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine is necessary for “peace as soon as possible” and efforts should continue for this.

Trump and Modi also discussed the Indo-Pacific and “expressed support for the important role” of the Quad in this region. Modi invited Trump to visit India for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit and Trump “accepted the invitation and said that he is looking forward to visiting India”, Misri said.

India is expected to host the Quad Summit towards the end of the year.

For many South Asian and Muslim New Yorkers, Zohran Mamdani’s political upset gives them hope

The success of Zohran Mamdani in New York City’s Democratic primary for mayor is euphoric for Hari Kondabolu, a stand-up comedian who’s been friends with the candidate for 15 years.

Mamdani stunned the political establishment when he declared victory in the primary on Tuesday, a ranked choice election in which his strongest competition, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, conceded defeat.

When he launched his campaign, the unabashed democratic socialist ranked near the bottom of the pack. Now, the 33-year-old state assemblyman has a chance to be New York City’s first Asian American and Muslim mayor. Mamdani’s family came to the United States when he was 7, and he became a citizen in 2018. He was born to Indian parents in Kampala, Uganda.

For Kondabolu, this moment is not just exciting, but emotional.

“I think so many of us have had those experiences in New York of being brown and in a city that has always been really diverse and feels like ours. But after 9/11, like you start to question it like, is this our city too,” Kondabolu said. “And 25 years later … it’s surreal, like this is the same city but it’s not because we’ve elected this person.”

Mamdani’s campaign has piqued the interest of many Indian, Pakistani and other South Asian Americans, as well as Muslims – even those who may not agree with Mamdani on every issue. Despite that opposition, some still see his rise as a sign of hope in a city where racism and xenophobia erupted following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks at his primary election party, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. AP Photo/Heather Khalifa

South Asians and Muslims riveted by primary in New York, and beyond

Many of New York City’s over 300,000 South Asian residents have been inspired by Mamdani’s extraordinary trajectory.

“My mom was texting her friends to vote for him. I’ve never seen my mother do that before,” Kondabolu said. “So the idea that it’s gotten our whole family activated in this way – this is, like, personal.”

Snigdha Sur, founder and CEO of The Juggernaut, an online publication reporting on South Asians, has been fascinated by the response from some people in India and the diaspora.

“So many global South Asians … they’re like, ‘Oh, this guy is my mayor and I don’t live in New York City,'” Sur said.

At the same time, some are also concerned or angered by Mamdani’s past remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he publicly called a “war criminal.”

In 2005, the U.S. revoked Modi’s visa to the U.S., citing concerns that, as chief minister of the state of Gujarat, he did not act to stop communal violence during 2002 anti-Muslim riots that left more than 1,000 people dead. An investigation approved by the Indian Supreme Court later absolved Modi. Rights groups have accused Modi’s government of widespread attacks and discrimination against India’s Muslims and other minorities.

In Michigan, Thasin Sardar has been following Mamdani’s ascent online. When he first heard him, he struck him as “genuine” and he felt “an instant connection,” he said.

“As a Muslim American, this victory puts my trust back in the people,” said Sardar, who was born and raised in India. “I am happy that there are people who value the candidate and his policies more than his personal religious beliefs and didn’t vote him down because of the color of his skin, or the fact that he was an immigrant with an uncommon name.”

New York voter Zainab Shabbir said family members in California, and beyond, have also excitedly taken note.

“My family in California, they were very much like, ‘Oh, it’s so nice to see a South Asian Muslim candidate be a mayor of a major city,'” she said. A brother told her Mamdani’s rise is a great example for his kids, she said.

But the 34-year-old – who donated, voted and canvassed for Mamdani – said it was his vision for New York City that was the draw for her. She and her husband briefly chatted with Mamdani at a fundraiser and she found him to be “very friendly and genuine.”

She suspects that for some who aren’t very politically active, Mamdani’s political ascent could make a difference.

“There’s a lot of Muslim communities like my parents’ generation who are focused a lot more on the politics back home and less on the politics here in America,” said Shabbir. “Seeing people like Zohran Mamdani be in office, it’ll really change that perspective in a lot of people.”

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani hugs supporters after speaking at his primary election party, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. AP Photo/Heather Khalifa

Embracing Indian and Muslim roots

Supporters and pundits agree that Mamdani’s campaign has demonstrated social media savvy and authenticity. He visited multiple mosques. In videos, he speaks in Hindi or gives a touch of Bollywood. Other South Asian American politicians such as Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna praised that.

“I love that he didn’t run away from his heritage. I mean, he did video clips with Amitabh Bachchan and Hindi movies,” Khanna said, referencing the Indian actor. “He shows that one can embrace their roots and their heritage and yet succeed in American politics.”

But his triumph also reflects “the urgency of the economic message, the challenge that people are facing in terms of rent, in terms of the cost of living, and how speaking to that is so powerful,” the progressive California Democrat added.

Tanzeela Rahman, a daughter of Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, said she grew up “very low income” in New York.

“I felt seen by him in a way politicians have not seen me ever,” the 29-year-old financial systems analyst said. “I think very few people in government understand … how hard it is to survive in New York City.”

She found Mamdani to be “unabashedly Muslim” and also “a voice, who, literally, to me sounds like a New Yorker who’s stepping in and saying, hey, let’s reclaim our power,” she said.

While Mamdani has been speaking to the working class, he had a somewhat privileged upbringing. His mother is filmmaker Mira Nair and his father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a professor at Columbia University.

He lived in Queens but attended The Bronx High School of Science. Even as a teen, he cared about social justice, Kondabolu, the comedian, recalled.

His campaign messaging on issues such as affordable housing and free bus rides might not resonate with South Asian households in New York City who have income levels above the median. But, the irony is that his campaign and “great kind of soundbites” earned support from that demographic, too, according to Sur.

“It was, I think, a surprise that he did so well among the wealthiest, including his own community,” Sur said.

Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian causes and criticism of Israel and its military campaign in Gaza resonated with pro-Palestinian residents, including Muslims, but caused tension in the mayor’s race. Some of his positions and remarks on the charged issue have drawn recriminations from opponents and some Jewish groups, though he’s also been endorsed by some Jewish politicians and activists.

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during the National Action Network’s Saturday action rally at House of Justice in Harlem, Saturday, June 28, 2025, in New York. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Racism and xenophobia

Mamdani’s success immediately elicited strong anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric from some high-profile conservatives on social media, including conservative media personality Charlie Kirk who posted that “legal immigration can ruin your country.” In response, Democratic Congressman Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress, tweeted “For years they sold people the lie of ‘we have no problem if you come the right way!'”

His supporters aren’t concerned that racism and Islamophobia will distract from Mamdani’s campaign. Those feelings clearly weren’t “enough for him to lose” the primary, Kondabolu said.

“There’s a new generation that wants their voice heard and that generation came out in full force, not just by voting, but by, like, getting all these other people to be emotionally invested in this candidate,” Kondabolu said. “That’s extraordinary.”

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Associated Press writer Matt Brown in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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June 14, 2025 04:36

U.S. helps Israel shoot down barrage of Iranian missiles

American air defence systems and a Navy destroyer helped Israel shoot down incoming ballistic missiles that Tehran launched, U.S. officials said.

The U.S. has both ground-based Patriot missile defence systems and Terminal High Altitude Air Defence systems in West Asia capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

A Navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean Sea also shot down Iranian missiles heading toward Israel, one official said.

The United States also is shifting military resources, including ships, in the Middle East in response to the strikes.

The Navy directed the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, which is capable of defending against ballistic missiles, to begin sailing from the western Mediterranean Sea toward the eastern Mediterranean and has directed a second destroyer to begin moving forward so it can be available if requested by the White House, U.S. officials said.

American fighter jets also are patrolling the sky in West Asia to protect personnel and installations, and air bases in the region are taking additional security precautions, the officials said.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public or to discuss ongoing operations.

Typically around 30,000 troops are based in the region, and about 40,000 troops are there now, according to a U.S. official. That number surged as high as 43,000 last October amid the tensions between Israel and Iran as well as continuous attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

The Navy has additional assets that it could surge if needed, particularly its aircraft carriers and the warships that sail with them. The USS Carl Vinson is in the Arabian Sea — the only aircraft carrier in the region.

The carrier USS Nimitz is in the Indo-Pacific and could be directed towards West Asia if needed and the USS George Washington just left its port in Japan and could also be directed to the region if so ordered, one of the officials said.

– AP

India Pakistan News Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a national address, announced a strategic shift in India’s counter-terrorism policy following the successful “Operation Sindoor,” launched in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. PM described the operation as a new doctrine, emphasizing decisive retaliation, no tolerance for nuclear blackmail, and no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors. He praised the Indian Armed Forces for dismantling Pakistan-based terror infrastructure, claiming Pakistan was left “begging for peace.” Army officials assured the situation was under control as no drone activity was spotted. However, earlier on Monday, the same day as PM Modi’s address, suspected Pakistani drones were detected and engaged near the border in Jammu’s Samba district. Despite the tense backdrop, Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held talks and reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire. Both sides agreed to avoid aggressive actions and consider troop reductions. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed credit for mediating the ceasefire, stating his administration helped prevent a nuclear conflict. He praised the leadership of both countries for showing restraint and wisdom during the crisis. Additionally, while calm prevails in border regions, Prime Minister Modi warned that Operation Sindoor represents a new normal in India’s anti-terror operations, suggesting such decisive actions will continue against any future threats from Pakistan.

06:05 (IST) May 14 Operation Sindoor: Indian air defence renders Turkish drones ineffective Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles, which Pakistan’s military deployed extensively in their recent limited engagement with India, first gained significant attention when Ukrainian forces employed them to neutralise Russian military assets during the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Despite manufacturer claims of 27-hour flight endurance, these aerial platforms proved ineffective once Russia strengthened its air defence capabilities. Reports indicate that Ukraine subsequently shifted to utilising these vehicles primarily for surveillance and artillery positioning. India appears to have incorporated insights from the Ukrainian conflict, successfully intercepting both Turkish drones and Chinese missiles in flight, effectively neutralising Pakistan’s intended strategic advantage of deploying them en masse as a response to Operation Sindoor. Read full story

05:43 (IST) May 14 ‘Global community recognises Pakistan as epicentre of terrorism’: MEA The Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated on Tuesday that the international community comprehends India’s situation and has acknowledged that the Pahalgam terror incident was aimed at Indian tourists, with Pakistan being identified as the source of terrorism across the border.

He emphasised that several foreign leaders have supported India’s position to safeguard itself and its citizens, highlighting Pakistan’s role as the source of terrorist activities.

During the MEA briefing, when questioned about India-Pakistan ‘hyphenation’, Jaiswal stated, “There is widespread understanding in the world that Indian tourists were the victims of terrorism at Pahalgam and that the epicentre of terrorism is across the border in Pakistan. A number of foreign leaders, in their conversations with Indian counterparts, recognised India’s right to defend itself and protect its people.”

05:35 (IST) May 14 Finally, India makes it official: Trump didn’t broker India-Pakistan ceasefire India on Tuesday reiterated its rejection of US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate in the dispute with Pakistan over J&K, and said India had a long-standing national position that any issue pertaining to the Union Territory would be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally.

“That stated policy has not changed. As you are aware, the outstanding matter is the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan,” MEA said when asked about Trump’s offer.

Government also rejected the US president’s claim that he had threatened to stop trade with India and Pakistan to get them to agree to a “ceasefire”. Read full story

05:11 (IST) May 14 Operation Sindoor: PM Modi has kept women at centre of India’s retaliation against Pakistan In India’s response to its adversarial neighbour Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently highlighted women’s involvement. This is evident through various initiatives, including the strategic naming of ‘Operation Sindoor’, utilising women officers as global spokespersons for India’s position, and acknowledging their contribution in the armed forces’ successful strikes against terrorist strongholds in Pakistan. Read full story 04:37 (IST) May 14 Stop supporting terror or face annihilation: PM Modi to Pakistan Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sharpened India’s new anti-terror doctrine, saying Pakistan had the choice of stopping support to its terror proxies or facing annihilation.

Referring to the serious damage caused to Pakistan’s crucial air bases, the PM said, “Patrons of terrorism must have got it now that harbouring evil designs against India can have only one consequence: their annihilation. Killing of innocent Indians can have only one consequence: ruination and complete ruination.” Read full story

04:10 (IST) May 14 Rajnath Singh reviews security, tells forces to maintain highest vigil Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a review of operational readiness along the Pakistan border on Tuesday, instructing the armed forces to maintain maximum alertness following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stern warning against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

The high-level discussions took place following talks between Lt General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, and his Pakistani counterpart Major General Kashif Abdullah, who deliberated on protocols to maintain the ceasefire agreement that commenced on May 10, ensuring its continued adherence. Read full story

03:38 (IST) May 14 Pakistan diplomat found running spy ring, told to leave in 24 hours India on Tuesday expelled a Pakistan high commission staff member, declaring him persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. According to sources, the staffer had an important role to play in nurturing a spy ring that was busted by Punjab Police in Amritsar last week.

Govt said in an official statement that he has been asked to leave India within 24 hours. “Charge d’affaires, Pakistan high commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today,” the ministry of external affairs said. The said person is a staff at the mission, not an officer. Read full story

03:32 (IST) May 14 Operation Sindoor: As India hit Pakistan, 6 nations fired cyber missiles During Operation Sindoor, India faced cyber assaults not only along its western frontier but also from state-sponsored hackers and digital activists based in Pakistan, Turkiye, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with Chinese support, as confirmed by cybersecurity specialists.

The cyber attacks targeted various sectors including defence PSUs and their MSME suppliers, essential infrastructure facilities such as ports, airports, electrical networks, Indian Railways, airlines, BSNL telecommunications, UPI financial systems, digital payment services, stock markets, and prominent Indian business groups with infrastructure investments. According to sources, these attacks aimed to both undermine India’s reputation and access classified information about its defence mechanisms, particularly missile systems. Read full story

Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 03:07 (IST) May 14 Pakistan cradled terror, no escaping fallout: India India strongly criticised Pakistan for its backing of cross-border terrorism, stating that any country fostering terrorism systematically whilst believing it could avoid repercussions was deluding itself. This response came after Pakistan’s foreign ministry labelled PM Narendra Modi’s national address as “inflammatory”.

“The terrorist infrastructure sites that India destroyed were responsible not only for the deaths of Indians but of many other innocents around the world. There is now a new normal. The sooner Pakistan gets used to it, the better,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Read full story

02:34 (IST) May 14 ‘Force of Indian arms compelled Pakistan to seek ceasefire’: India reiterates trade did not come up in talks with US The Ministry of External Affairs firmly stated on Tuesday that trade discussions were absent from all conversations with the United States during Operation Sindoor, emphasising that Pakistan’s decision to seek a ceasefire was solely due to India’s military strength.

“From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7 till the understanding on cessation of firing and military action on May 10, there were conversations between Indian and US leaders on the evolving military situation. The issue of trade did not come up in any of these discussions,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified. This statement directly contradicted American President Donald Trump’s assertion that he had utilised trade negotiations as a tool to facilitate a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. Read full story

01:41 (IST) May 14 Operation Sindoor: 11 soldiers, 40 civilians killed in Indian strikes, says Pakistan’s ISPR Pakistan’s armed forces announced on Tuesday that Indian strikes from the previous week resulted in the deaths of 11 military personnel and 40 civilians, whilst 199 people sustained injuries, including members of the army and air force. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media division, disclosed the identities and photographs of the fallen soldiers, amongst whom was a squadron leader.

The ISPR statement detailed that amongst the civilian casualties were seven women and 15 children. Additionally, the statement specified that the wounded comprised 78 military personnel and 121 civilians. Read full story

01:28 (IST) May 14 600 new family bunkers, centralised siren system to come up in J&K’s border areas In the past six-seven years, over 2,000 family bunkers were built for residents of border areas in J&K, the utility of which was realised during the recent Operation Sindoor, said union minister Dr Jitendra Singh during a day-long visit to areas along the international border on Tuesday. He also announced that an additional 600 bunkers would be constructed and an automated, centralised siren system will be set up in border areas.

Dr Singh said Kathua was the first district in the country to experiment with family bunkers in border areas when he, as an MP, had taken up the issue soon after Narendra Modi took over as prime minister. Thereafter, more than 2,000 such bunkers came up in the border areas. Read full story

01:22 (IST) May 14 Anti-terror raids continue in Srinagar, amid India-Pakistan tensions J&K police carried out raids Tuesday at 11 sites in Srinagar linked to “terrorists’ associates” as part of continuing operations to “unsparingly” target infrastructure supporting such activities and dismantle the “terror ecosystem”.

The searches came days after the now-paused conflict with Pakistan triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Read full story

00:56 (IST) May 14 India-Pakistan tensions: Rajouri government hospital stops salaries of staff for fleeing duty amid shelling The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Rajouri has decided to suspend salaries of health personnel who were absent during the military tensions between India and Pakistan.

Officials reported that numerous staff members, including teaching personnel, departed from Rajouri town on and after May 7 when Pakistan escalated its cross-border shelling activities.

GMCH-Rajouri functions as a crucial healthcare facility for the entire Pir Panjal region, encompassing the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. These areas experienced severe impact from heavy artillery, mortar shelling, and drone strikes from Pakistan. Read full story

00:46 (IST) May 14 Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti slam critics of pause in anti-Pakistan operations, say ‘sufferers’ must be heard Omar Abdullah said the demand for peace was unanimous among those living near the LoC: “People living along the LoC, and even those in Srinagar and Jammu who have witnessed the situation first-hand, they all want the pause to continue.” He added that the government would draft a policy for civilian bunkers and assured, “The govt stands shoulder to shoulder with them. Their pain will not go unnoticed.”

While, Mehbooba Mufti called for political maturity in handling the situation, stating, “This is a time for bipartisan statesmanship, not division.” Urging opposition restraint, she said, “I appeal to all the opposition parties to resist the urge for knee-jerk criticism or political point-scoring,” and added that the Modi government “should not be politically penalised for exploring peaceful means.” Read full story

00:25 (IST) May 14 ‘My administration brokered a historic ceasefire between India and Pakistan’: US President Donald Trump During his Middle East visit, whilst addressing an audience in Riyadh, US President Donald Trump asserted his role in achieving what he termed a “historic ceasefire” between India and Pakistan. This followed the period of increased military conflict between the two nations earlier this month.

“Just days ago, my administration successfully brokered a historic ceasefire to stop the escalating violence between India and Pakistan, and I used trade to a large extent to do it,” Trump said whilst speaking to the gathering.

He continued, “I said, fellas, come on, let’s make a deal. Let’s do some trading. Let’s not trade nuclear missiles. Let’s trade the things that you make so beautifully.”

Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 23:50 (IST) May 13 India-Pakistan ceasefire: How India’s punitive measures will continue to hit Pakistan’s fragile economy Following the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement, India continues to maintain its economic sanctions against Pakistan. These restrictive measures, which were put in place following the Pahalgam terror attack, encompass the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, significantly affecting Pakistan’s agricultural sector and water availability. The comprehensive prohibition on both direct and indirect trade has resulted in a substantial economic impact, preventing the exchange of goods valued at $500 million. Read full story 22:42 (IST) May 13 ‘They (India-Pakistan) are actually getting along’: Donald Trump On India-Pakistan understanding, US President Trump said “Both have very powerful, strong and smart leaders. It all stopped and hopefully it will remain that way. They (India-Pakistan) are actually getting along. Maybe we can even get them together to go out and have a nice dinner. Millions of people could have died from that conflict that started off small and was getting bigger and bigger by the day.” 20:59 (IST) May 13 India expels Pakistani official at mission; given 24 hours to leave country India on Tuesday expelled a Pakistani official working at the Pakistan high commission for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status. The external affairs ministry said the official has been given 24 hours to leave India.

The action came amid heightened tension between the two countries following their four-day military confrontation.

India also issued a demarche to Pakistani Charge d’ Affaires in New Delhi on the activities of the official.

19:51 (IST) May 13 BJP holds nationwide Tiranga Yatra after Operation Sindoor BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on the Tiranga Yatra, said: “There are no two opinions—every child of this nation stands with the Tricolour and proudly supports our armed forces, chanting Bharat Mata Ki Jai. We are speechless, overwhelmed with emotion. This is not a political party’s Tiranga Yatra; it belongs to every citizen of Delhi.” 19:47 (IST) May 13 Maxar satellite images reveal extensive damage to Pakistani airbases after Indian strikes — ANI (@ANI) 19:23 (IST) May 13 Claiming victory is an old habit. They did the same in 1971, 1975 and 1999 Kargil War. Dhol bajane ka Paksitan ka purana ravaiyya hai. Parast ho jaye lekin dhol bajao. MEA in briefing 19:13 (IST) May 13 ‘There is now a new normal and sooner Pakistan gets used to it, the better’: MEA 18:40 (IST) May 13 ‘Ban on Awami League in Bangladesh without due process is concerning development’: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The ban on the Awami League (in Bangladesh) without due process is a concerning development. As a democracy, India is naturally concerned at curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space. We strongly support the early holding of free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh.” Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 18:06 (IST) May 13 ‘Issue of trade did not come up in any of these discussions with US’: MEA On US President Donald Trump and trade, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on 7th May till the understanding on cessation of firing and military action on 10th May, there were conversations between Indian and US leaders on the evolving military situation. The issue of trade did not come up in any of these discussions.” 18:02 (IST) May 13 India-Pakistan: MEA on Indus Waters Treaty India will keep Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures support for cross-border terrorism. 17:59 (IST) May 13 Only issue with Islamabad on Kashmir is return of illegally-occupied territories to India by Pakistan. MEA 17:51 (IST) May 13 ‘Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally’: MEA MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have a long-standing national position that any issues pertaining to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed. The outstanding matter is the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan.” 17:48 (IST) May 13 ‘It was the force of Indian arms that compelled Pakistan to seek ceasefire’: MEA 16:39 (IST) May 13 ‘India has only paused its military action’: PM Modi at Adampur airbase At the Adampur Air Base, PM Narendra Modi said, “After Pakistan’s appeal, India has only paused its military action. If Pakistan shows terrorist activities or military audacity again, we will give a befitting reply. This reply will be on our conditions, in our style. The base of this decision, the belief behind this, is your patience, valour, bravery and alertness. You have to maintain this zeal. We have to be alert and prepared. We have to keep reminding the enemy that this is new India. This India wants peace but if there is an attack on humanity, this India very well knows to raze the enemy to ground at the war front.” 16:18 (IST) May 13 ‘Our target was to hit the terror headquarters in Pakistan’: PM Modi “These few lines were written for Maharana Pratap’s popular horse Chetak, ‘Kaushal dikhlaya chaalo mein, Udd gaya bhayanak bhaalo mein, Nirbhik gaya vo dhaalo mein, Sarpat dauda karwalo mein’. These lines are fit to modern day Indian weapons too. Our Armed Forces has boosted unity amongst people of India through Operation Sindoor. You have protected Indian borders. Our Airforce has precisely targeted terror camps in Pakistan within 20-25 minutes… Our target was to hit the terror headquarters in Pakistan.” 16:06 (IST) May 13 PM Modi Adampur Airbase Live: Aatank ke aakao ko samajh aa gaya hai ki Bharat ki ore nazar uthane ka ek hi anjaam hoga- tabaahi aur mahavinaash. PM Modi Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 16:05 (IST) May 13 PM Modi Adampur Airbase Live: PM Modi to Air Warriors and soldiers at AFS Adampur airbase “Guru Gobind Singh Ji said that “Sava lakh se ek lada hu, Chidian te mai baaj tudau, Tabhi Guru Gobind Singh naam kahau”. It is our tradition to take up arms for the protection of our Dharma. So, when the sindoor of our sisters and daughters was snatched away, we crushed the terrorists by entering their own homes” 16:03 (IST) May 13 Every moment of Operation Sindoor is testimony of valour of our armed forces, it proves supremacy of our Army, Air Force and Navy. PM Modi 15:57 (IST) May 13 PM Modi Adampur Airbase Live: ‘We have dusted them off’: PM Modi He said, “We have dusted them off. The Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy have defeated the Pakistani army. We gave them a message that there is no place in Pakistan where the terrorists could live peacefully. ‘Hum Ghar Mein Ghus Ke Marenge’.” 15:54 (IST) May 13 PM Modi Adampur Airbase Live: ‘India’s ‘Laxman Rekha’ against terrorism is crystal clear now’: PM Modi at Adampur airbase At the Adampur Air Base, PM Narendra Modi said, “India’s ‘Laxman Rekha’ against terrorism is crystal clear now. If another terror attack occurs now, India will give a reply – a solid reply. We saw this during surgical strike, during air strike. Now, #OperationSindoor is India’s new normal. Like I said yesterday, India has decided on three points. First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, we will give a reply in our way, on our condition, on our time. Second, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Third, we will not see terror-supporting government and terror masterminds as separate entities. The world too is going ahead by understanding India’s new form, its new system.” 15:52 (IST) May 13 PM Modi Adampur Airbase Live: Pakistan will not get any sleep for long time just thinking of our drones and missiles. PM Modi 15:48 (IST) May 13 This is the voice of every citizen of country who wishes to live for the nation: PM Modi — BJP4India (@BJP4India) 15:47 (IST) May 13 PM Modi Adampur Airbase Live: With Operation Sindoor, you have enhanced India’s self-confidence, unity among people: PM Modi to IAF personnel at Adampur base IAF targeted terror bases deep inside Pakistan with speed and precision that left enemy stunned: PM Modi at Adampur air base. 15:42 (IST) May 13 PM Modi Adampur Airbase Live: Enemies hear ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ when our drones, missiles hit targets: PM Modi at Adampur airbase At the Adampur Air Base, PM Narendra Modi said, “When our drones destroy the walls of the enemy’s fort, when our missiles reach the target with a whizzing sound, the enemy hears ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. When we light up the sun even at night, the enemy sees ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. When our armies blow away the threat of nuclear blackmail, then only one thing resonates from the sky- ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. All of you have made millions of Indians proud, have made every Indian’s mother proud, you have created history, and I have come among you this morning to see you…” Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 15:41 (IST) May 13 PM Modi Adampur Airbase Live: ‘They targeted us again and again but the nefarious designs of Pakistan failed each time’: PM Modi At the Adampur Air Base, PM Narendra Modi said, “Rattled with Operation Sindoor, the enemy tried to attack this air base and several of our other air bases multiple times. They targeted us again and again but the nefarious designs of Pakistan failed each time.” 15:40 (IST) May 13 India Pakistan News: ‘I can proudly say that all of you reached your target with perfection’: PM Modi At the Adampur Air Base, PM Narendra Modi said, “I can proudly say that all of you reached your target with perfection. In Pakistan, it was not just the terrorist camps and their air bases that were destroyed, but their nefarious designs and audacity were also defeated.” 15:33 (IST) May 13 India Pakistan News Live: PM Modi addresses forces at Adampur airbase after Operation Sindoor Enemies hear ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ when our drones, missiles hit targets: PM Modi at Adampur airbase. 15:30 (IST) May 13 Operation Sindoor: Pakistan confirms 11 military personnel killed, 78 injured in Indian strikes India’s decisive military action under Operation Sindoor resulted in 11 Pakistani military personnel killed and 78 injured, Pakistan confirmed on Tuesday.

The casualties occurred during India’s major counterterrorism strike in a strong retaliatory action of Pahalgam terroar attack codenamed, Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7. As part of the offensive, Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes on nine terror launchpads, including major hubs of Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.

In retaliation, Pakistan launched a series of drone incursions into Indian airspace over subsequent nights. These drones were in a quick response were intercepted and neutralised by India’s air defence systems.

READ FULL STORY 15:25 (IST) May 13 I want to thank PM Modi, he asked many questions to Pakistan, he also warned them. He said that talks will only happen on PoK and terrorism, he said that the Indus Water Treaty is on abeyance. He said that India is capable to take further action, we destroyed the air bases. This is a new India which can hit them deep inside. Operation Sindoor is successful. Pakistan has been exposed… He went to Adampur to uplift the armed forces. We needed such kind of PM. Eknath Shinde 15:01 (IST) May 13 India Pakistan News Live: Two out of three LeT terrorists identified in Shopian encounter linked to past attacks Three terrorist with affliation to the Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in an encounter in Shopian, South Kashmir on Tuesday. The confirmation of the identification of two out of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-affiliated terrorists has been made, sources told ANI.

Three of the terrorists were killed in the Shukroo forest area of Keller in the Shopian district.

According to sources, one of the terrorists was identified as Shahid Kuttay, son of Mohd Yousuf Kuttay and a resident of Chotipora Heerpora in Shopian.

He was a Category A, LeT operative who was involved in the firing incident at the Danish Resort in Srinagar on April 8, 2024, in which two German tourists and one driver were injured. He joined the terror outfit on March 8, 2023.

Kuttay was involved in the killing of a BJP Sarpanch at Heerpora on May 18, 2024 and was suspect involved in the killing of Territorial Army Personnel at Behibagh in Kulgam on February 3, 2025.

The other identified terrorist was Adnan Shafi Dar, son of Mohd Shafi Dar, who was a resident of Wanduna Melhora in Shopian. He joined the terror outfit on October 18, 2024 and was a category C LeT operative. He was involved in the killing of non-local labourers at Wachi in Shopian on October 18, 2024.

However, the identity of the last terrorist is yet to be confirmed.

14:19 (IST) May 13 India Pakistan News Live: Punjab CM announces ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for kin of Pakistani drone attack victim Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the family of Sukhwinder Kaur, a resident of Khai Ke village, Ferozepur, who died from injuries sustained in a Pakistani drone attack.

The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the tragic demise of Sukhwinder Kaur.

“Our government stands firmly with her family during this time of immense pain, and we are committed to providing all possible support to help them cope with this devastating loss,” the chief minister said.

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora also extended financial assistance, announcing Rs 2 lakh for Kaur’s family to aid them in this difficult period.

Sukhwinder Kaur, along with her husband Lakhwinder Singh, is undergoing treatment at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) following the attack. Kaur sustained burn injuries and has remained in critical condition since the incident. Despite medical efforts, she passed away early Tuesday. Lakhwinder Singh, who has also suffered burns, continues to receive treatment.

13:39 (IST) May 13 All gates at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam, built on the Chenab River in Ramban, have been closed Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 13:37 (IST) May 13 PoK analyst backs India’s strikes, says terrorism will continue while Pakistan exists A prominent political analyst from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Amjad Ayub Mirza, a prominent political analyst from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has issued a strong statement supporting India’s recent counter-terrorism offensive — Operation Sindoor — targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and its occupied territories.

Speaking to ANI, Mirza warned that the threat of terrorism from PoJK is far from over. He asserted that the terrorist camps in PoJK have not been dismantled but only relocated after India identified their locations.

“The terrorists have been moved from places like Muzaffarabad, Leepa Valley, and other known sites. These camps are very much active — just shifted, not shut,” he said.

He accused Pakistan of continuously exploiting PoJK — which he emphasized as Indian territory — to wage proxy war against India. “Pakistan will keep using PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan against India until these areas are reintegrated into the Indian Union,” he stated.

Citing recent developments, Mirza said there are reports of civilian evacuations near the Line of Control (LoC), along with the deployment of heavy weaponry. He blamed Pakistan for the long-standing suffering of Kashmiris, tracing it back to the 1947 invasion of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Pakistan turned a peaceful and secure Jammu and Kashmir into a war zone. Over one lakh Kashmiri Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims were massacred. Since then, they’ve used terror groups like JKLF and Jaish-e-Mohammed, backed by the ISI, to continue their violent campaign,” he said.

12:58 (IST) May 13 PM Modi travels to Adampur air base, interacts with soldiers — PTI_News (@PTI_News)

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India Pakistan News Live Updates: Posters of suspects involved in Pahalgam terror attack appeared in various parts of Pulwama on Tuesday. The authorities announced Rs 20 lakh reward for anyone who provides information about the suspects. Authorities have assured that the informant’s identity will be kept confidential.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation following the success of Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. The Prime Minister declared a transformative shift in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine. Emphasizing a bold new stance, Modi introduced three central pillars: decisive retaliation to any terror attack, zero tolerance for nuclear blackmail, and no distinction between terrorists and the states that harbor them.

PM Modi hailed the Indian Armed Forces for executing precision strikes on terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), asserting that Pakistan was forced to seek de-escalation after facing substantial military losses. He claimed that Operation Sindoor had redefined India’s approach to national security and would serve as the “new normal” in counter-terrorism measures.

Shortly after his address, suspected Pakistani drones were reported along the International Border in Samba district, Jammu. Army officials responded swiftly, neutralizing the UAV threat and ensuring no major disruption. Later, they emphasized that the situation remained under control and urged the public not to panic.

As a precautionary measure, authorities in Punjab’s border districts — including Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur — activated blackout protocols. Sirens were sounded in Amritsar, and certain towns like Suranassi, Dasuya, and Mukerian observed partial blackouts. Some schools closed, but markets largely remained open, indicating controlled tension.

In a significant diplomatic development, India and Pakistan’s Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) held talks and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the ceasefire. The discussions included reducing troop presence in forward areas and avoiding any further aggressive actions.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire, calling it a permanent solution to a dangerous standoff between two nuclear-armed nations. He praised both Modi and Pakistan’s leadership for their wisdom and restraint during the crisis, positioning the US as a key peacemaker.

The conflict escalated after the Pahalgam attack, with India launching strikes on nine terror camps across the border under Operation Sindoor. While Modi declared a temporary resolution, he left the door open for future strikes, stressing that the operation marked a shift in India’s long-term security policy.

Overall, while tensions appear to have eased and the situation remains under control, India’s messaging is clear: terrorism emanating from Pakistan will be met with swift, targeted, and uncompromising retaliation, and diplomacy will no longer shield state sponsors of terror. The evolving doctrine indicates a more assertive regional posture, with counter-terrorism now framed as a matter of policy rather than isolated retaliation.

Operation Sindoor Live: Director General Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti on Monday detailed the success of the Indian Armed Forces’ Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The operation, a response to the April 22, Pahalgam, terror attack, was executed with precision to minimise damage to civilian and military infrastructure despite intervention by the Pakistani military.

Addressing a press briefing, Air Marshal Bharti emphasised that the Indian Armed Forces’ fight was solely against terrorists and their support networks, not the Pakistani military. The Armed forces also displayed a video that showed the destruction to Pakistani ordinance in the strikes.

He noted that the Pakistan military chose to intervene, and thus any loss from their side was their sole responsibility.

“We had a detailed brief on the successful joint operations to destroy the terror operation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan itself… We reiterated that our fight was with terrorists and their support infrastructure and not with the Pakistani military. However, it is a pity that the Pakistani military chose to intervene and back the terrorists, which compelled us to respond, and whatever loss they suffered, it was their own responsibility,” he stated.

The Air Marshal highlighted the effectiveness of India’s layered and intricate air defence (AD) system, which played a pivotal role in thwarting multiple waves of Pakistani drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The robust AD environment, comprising assets from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, included multilayered sensors and weapon systems, indigenously developed soft and hard-kill counter-UAV systems, and highly trained personnel. The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was instrumental in coordinating this defence network.

“This brings me to the point of how the Indian Forces brought minimum damage to both civilian and military infrastructures in spite of Pakistan’s unrelenting forces… The majority populace has a lot to say about the layered and intricate air defence system put in place by the Indian Armed Forces, which includes assets of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force… This robust AD system comprises a large variety of multilayer AD sensors and weapon systems… Numerous waves of drones and UAVS deployed by Pakistan were also thwarted by the indigenously developed soft and hard kill counter-UAV systems and the well-trained Indian personnel,” Air Marshal Bharti noted.

He also revealed that a Chinese-origin PL-15 missile, which missed its target, was intercepted, with its debris recovered by Indian forces. Additionally, a long-range rocket, loitering munitions, and other unmanned aerial systems (UAS) deployed by Pakistan were successfully brought down.

Air Marshal Bharti attributed the success of India’s air defence capabilities to a decade of unwavering budgetary support from the Government of India, which enabled the development and deployment of advanced systems.

“All these were brought together as an effective AD environment by the IACCS of the IAF. The performance demonstrated by the older battle system also took them (drones) head-on… Another highlight was the stellar indigenous AD, like the Akash System… This AD environment was possible over the last decade because of the unwavering budget allocated by the Government of India,” he stated.

“Numerous waves of drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles employed by Pakistan were also thwarted by the indigenously developed soft and hard kill counter-UAS systems and the well-trained Indian Air Defence personnel,” he added.

Director General Military Operations Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai and Director General Naval Operations Vice Admiral A N Pramod were also present at the briefings.