Balochistan province, bordering Afghanistan and Iran, remains a battleground of a decades-old war between separatist insurgents and Pakistan. The separatists want more autonomy and a share in the region’s natural resources.

According to media reports, senior administrative officer Deputy Commissioner Waqar Khurshid Alam said that a group of about 40 armed men stopped several buses and vehicles, checked national identity cards and then took seven passengers off the bus and shot them.

The officer said that all the seven killed were from central Punjab province.

The region’s Assistant Commissioner Khadim Hussain said that the killings took place on the highway connecting Punjab’s southern city of Dera Gaza Khan to Barkhan.

According to media reports, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and the motive behind the killings is unclear. Authorities have cordoned off the area, but the attackers managed to escape.

Earlier on Friday, at least 11 people were killed and six others injured in a bomb blast targeting a vehicle carrying coal miners.

Last August, separatist militants carried out several attacks in Pakistan, killing dozens of people. The attacks targeted police stations, infrastructure and civilians. This includes an attack on a highway in Balochistan in which gunmen killed at least 23 people after forcibly removing them from their vehicles and checking their identity.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. The BLA is the largest of several ethnic armed groups fighting the central government.

Insurgent groups have also targeted Chinese citizens and interests in Balochistan.China is developing the deep-water Gwadar seaport located in Balochistan.

Beijing has invested heavily in regional development projects as part of its $65 billion commitment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

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“Unfortunately, President Trump, whom we greatly respect as the leader of the American people, lives amid misinformation,” Zelensky said in Kyiv.

Local media also highlighted a survey conducted between February 4 and 9 to reveal Zelensky’s popularity.

“According to a survey published on February 19 by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), as of February, about 57 percent of Ukrainians trust President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking a five percentage point increase since December,” the Kyiv Independent reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the latest survey shows that Zelensky continues to be supported by the majority of Ukrainians, even seeing a slight increase in trust after a steady decline in popularity in 2024.

In fact, the distance between Kyiv and Washington is constantly increasing. This is because Trump is constantly taking a pro-Russian stance. He blamed Ukraine for starting a war with Russia on Tuesday and said that Kyiv ‘could have compromised earlier.’

Trump’s statement came after the US-Russia talks held in Riyadh on Tuesday to end the war. Kiev was not included in this, which was also condemned by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. He said that it was ‘surprising’ that his country was not invited to the talks to end the war with Russia.

Earlier in Riyadh, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the parties involved in the US-Russia talks have agreed to form a high-level team to establish peace in Ukraine, promote economic cooperation.

The US and Russian delegations met in Riyadh on Tuesday for more than four hours. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was also present during this time.

However, amid the Kiev-Washington tension, US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg arrived in Kiev on Wednesday. He is scheduled to meet Zelensky.

Kellogg described his visit as an opportunity for ‘good potential talks’. He said, “Part of my mission is also to listen.” He also stressed that the United States is a security partner for Ukraine. recognizes the importance of guarantees.

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Zelensky said that the world is now looking at America as a power that not only has the ability to end the war, but can also play an important role in ensuring lasting peace.

The Ukrainian President said, “We have started working with President Trump’s team and we are seeing that success can be achieved.”

Zelensky said that before the Munich Security Conference, he held talks with the US President, as well as important meetings with Vice President Vance and Foreign Minister Rubio.

In addition, Zelensky expressed hope that soon General Keith Kellogg (US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia) will visit Ukraine to further assess the situation. He wants to discuss the strong solutions being presented by President Trump, which can really be peacemakers.

The Ukrainian President said, “Our teams are working on a special agreement between our countries. An agreement that will definitely strengthen both the US and Ukraine.” He also made it clear that he is fully committed to making this agreement a success, as agreed earlier.

Earlier, while speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky also expressed hope that President Trump will help Ukraine. He said, “I hope that we can trust that President Trump will actually help us, because I completely trust him.”

However, many media reports are also saying that Zelensky has warned of the end of guaranteed US support for Europe. “The old days are over when the US supported Europe just because it has always done so,” he said.

In a separate development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation on Saturday. During this, the two discussed several important issues, including the planned meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump.

According to media reports, Lavrov and Rubio agreed to ensure that an open communication channel remains to address the accumulated problems in US and Russian relations.

The much-awaited Ukraine peace talks between Trump and Putin are expected to take place soon in Saudi Arabia.

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Assocham President Sanjay Nayar said that the joint statement issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump in Washington DC is a symbol of the continued trust and strength of the strategic partnership between India and the US.

He said that the Prime Minister’s visit to the US has brought many concrete results. These include strengthening cooperation in defense, terrorism, fossil fuels and nuclear energy, energy security covering both countries, trade and investment, as well as leveraging India’s human capital.

Another major outcome is the development of a US-India roadmap to accelerate AI infrastructure by the end of the year.

Nair said the ambitious target of $500 billion bilateral trade by 2030 is easily achievable, while consensus on negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement will pave the way for new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

According to FIEO President Ashwani Kumar, the visit is an important step towards deeper economic cooperation, expanding trade, promoting investment and strengthening strategic ties between the two countries.

He said the discussions are a major milestone in the growing economic ties between India and the US. The US is emerging as one of India’s largest trading partners. These developments will provide new opportunities to Indian exporters.

The focus on technology, defence and green energy will particularly benefit India’s export sectors and enhance global competitiveness.

The FIEO chief also appreciated the increased investment focus, which will spur new industries and job creation in India, provide impetus to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and boost demand for Indian exports.

They underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade by removing barriers and streamlining processes.

Focus sectors include technology, healthcare, agriculture and textiles, with an ambitious target of reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 under “Mission 500”.

Kumar lauded the early timeline for a multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by the end of this year, which aims to enhance market access, reduce trade barriers and improve supply chain integration.

The discussions also resulted in the announcement of initiatives to boost US investments in India.

“These investments will create new opportunities for Indian exporters and position India as a major hub for innovation and manufacturing,” the FIEO chief said.

“The key focus was on enhancing cooperation in IT, AI and 5G infrastructure, which will open up significant growth opportunities for Indian tech businesses in the US market.”

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President Trump announced that Tahawwur Rana, accused of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, will be extradited to India. The US Supreme Court recently approved this decision. India had been demanding the handing over of Rana for a long time, which will now move the process of justice forward.

The US and India decided to work together against Islamic terrorism. Both countries talked about stopping the financing of terrorist organizations, sharing intelligence and increasing cooperation in the global anti-terrorism campaign. Trump said that radical terrorism is a threat to the whole world and the alliance of the two countries will be important to stop it.

President Trump said that India is a major strategic ally in the Asia-Pacific region (Indo-Pacific). He expressed commitment to strengthen the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) partnership, which can ensure regional peace and stability. This initiative will further strengthen India’s security role.

During the meeting, the US agreed to provide more defense technology and military equipment to India. Trump said that India will be provided with state-of-the-art weapons, fighter aircraft and military systems. The two countries also decided to increase joint production and technical partnerships in the defense sector.

In view of India’s energy needs, the US decided to increase the supply of crude oil and natural gas to India. The two countries also plan to work together on renewable energy and clean energy projects. This will help India to further strengthen its energy resources.

India and the US decided to increase cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both countries will jointly develop advanced AI systems, which can bring revolutionary changes in health, education, defense and other sectors. Indian startups and tech companies will also benefit from this partnership.

The US and India agreed to reduce their trade imbalance. Trump said that the US will enter into new agreements with India to reduce the trade deficit. This will further boost the trade of the two countries and open up new investment opportunities.

The two countries agreed on joint research and development in the field of semiconductor manufacturing and quantum computing. The US will provide technical assistance to promote the semiconductor industry in India. This will increase technical production capacity in India.

India and the US decided to cooperate to develop small nuclear modular reactors. This will promote clean and sustainable energy production and strengthen the energy security of both countries.

Prime Minister Modi announced that new Indian Consulates will be opened in Los Angeles and Boston to enhance facilities for the Indian community in the US. This will enable Indian immigrants to avail consular services and strengthen cultural and business ties between the two countries.

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PM Modi has gifted Dokra artwork to French President Emmanuel Macron, which consists of two statues of women playing musical instruments. The iconic Dokra art is a major metal-casting tradition of Chhattisgarh, which is made using ancient wax technique. This artwork shows traditional musicians playing musical instruments, highlighting the cultural significance of music. This artwork made of brass and copper has fine workmanship, which reflects the deep skill and dedication of the artisans. Apart from decoration, this Dokra artwork symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of India.

PM Modi gifted a beautiful table mirror with silver work to the First Lady of France. This exquisite silver hand-engineered table mirror from Rajasthan displays excellent craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Its silver frame depicts flowers and peacocks, symbolizing the beauty of nature. Polished to a brilliant shine, this table mirror reflects the rich tradition of metalwork of Rajasthan.

PM Modi also met the US Vice President in France. He took a wooden railway toy set for his son Vivek Vance. The toy is crafted from wood and painted with eco-friendly vegetable dyes.

He gifted a jigsaw puzzle based on Indian folk painting to the Vice President’s second son Evan Blaine Vance. The puzzle displays various folk painting styles and shows the rich artistic heritage of India.

J.D. For Vance’s daughter Mirabel Rose Vance, he picked up a wooden alphabet set. It is a durable, safe and engaging learning tool that enhances motor skills and cognitive abilities. Unlike plastic alternatives, it is free from harmful chemicals and also sends a message of environmental protection.

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PM Modi tweeted, ‘Thank you France! A fruitful visit ended, where I participated in many programs ranging from AI, commerce, energy, and cultural relations. Thanks to President Emmanuel Macron and the people of France.

PM Modi’s visit to France was very important from the point of view of relations between the two countries. During this, Modi and Macron expressed their deep friendship.

On the first day of PM Modi’s visit, the two leaders held talks at a dinner hosted by President Macron. This cordial atmosphere continued at the ‘AI Action Summit’ the next day as well. India and France jointly hosted the summit.

After this, in a special sign of personal rapport, on Tuesday evening, PM Modi and President Macron flew together from Paris to Marseille.

In Marseille, PM Modi visited the Mazargues War Cemetery with President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday. He paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

After this, both the leaders inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille.

The Prime Minister said that the opening of the Indian Consulate in Marseille is a ‘historic moment’ and it is a ‘new chapter’ in India-France relations.

PM Modi will now go to America. During this visit, he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump. He will interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community.

In a recent special briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Prime Minister Modi’s visit will give further direction and momentum to this ‘important partnership’.

The foreign secretary said PM Modi’s visit to the US at the invitation of President Trump a few weeks after his swearing-in “reflects the importance of the India-US partnership and also the bipartisan support this partnership enjoys in the US.”

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In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Landed in Marseille. This city has a special significance in India’s freedom struggle. It was here that the great Veer Savarkar tried to escape in a daring manner. I also want to thank the people of Marseille and the French activists of that time who demanded that he (Savarkar) not be handed over to British custody. Veer Savarkar’s bravery will continue to inspire generations!”

According to the Indian government website amritmahotsav.nic.in, “Veer Savarkar was arrested in London in 1910 in the Nasik Conspiracy case. While he was being transported to India by ship for trial, Savarkar jumped into the sea near Marseille and swam to the French coast, braving the firing from the ship. He was arrested by the British police in Marseille.” The website further states, “The French government lodged a protest in the Hague International Court against this arrest on French soil. This brought Veer Savarkar and other Indian freedom fighters fame all over the world.” In Marseille, PM Modi visited the Mazargues War Cemetery along with President Macron and paid their tributes to the Indian soldiers who died in the world wars. After this, both the leaders jointly inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille. After the inauguration of the Indian Consulate, PM Modi wrote on X, “A historic moment in Marseille! President Emmanuel Macron and I inaugurated the Indian Consulate in this vibrant city, marking a new chapter in India-France relations. This Consulate will serve as an important bridge, strengthening our cultural, economic and people-to-people ties.”

“Marseille’s ties with India are well known. It was an important base for Indian troops during the First World War. The city also has a deep connection with Veer Savarkar. I thank the French government and congratulate the Indian diaspora on this special inauguration,” PM Modi said.

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The MoUs/agreements signed by India-France include – India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI), launch of logo for India-France Innovation Year 2026, agreement to host 10 Indian start-ups in French start-up incubator Station F, declaration of objective to establish partnership on advanced modular reactors and small modular reactors, declaration of triangular development cooperation, joint inauguration of the Consulate of India in Marseille.

Apart from this, a letter of intent was also signed between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India and the Institute National de Research en Informatique et en Automatic (INRIA) of France for the establishment of the Indo-French Center for Digital Sciences.

The major achievement of PM Modi’s visit to France was the opening of India’s new Consulate General in Marseille on Tuesday. Prime Minister Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurated it.

The decision to open a Consulate General in Marseille was announced during the Prime Minister’s visit to France in July 2023. This new Consulate General opened in France’s second most populous city will further strengthen the multifaceted strategic partnership of India-France.

PM Modi wrote on Twitter, “A historic moment in Marseille! President Emmanuel Macron and I inaugurated the Indian Consulate in this vibrant city, marking a new chapter in India-France relations. This Consulate will serve as an important bridge, strengthening our cultural, economic and people-to-people ties.”

“Marseille’s ties with India are well known. It was an important base for Indian troops during World War I. The city also has a deep connection with Veer Savarkar. I thank the French government and congratulate the Indian diaspora on this special inauguration,” PM Modi said.

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On the first day of PM Modi’s visit, the two leaders interacted at a dinner hosted by President Macron. This cordial atmosphere continued at the ‘AI Action Summit’ the next day as well. India and France jointly hosted the summit.

Reflecting their close ties, the two leaders hosted the India-France CEO Forum, which reflects their shared vision for economic cooperation.

In an extraordinary sign of friendship, the two leaders arrived in Marseille in a joint convoy and on the same plane. President Macron hosted a dinner for Prime Minister Modi in Marseille.

Though all world leaders showed respect and importance to PM Modi, the closeness and affinity shown by Macron is rare to find another example.

Macron was actually very excited about PM Modi’s visit. In an interview given to a website before Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Paris, President Macron said that he and Prime Minister Modi will strive for ‘technological sovereignty’.

The French President said, “Like Prime Minister Modi, we also strongly believe that India and France are two great powers and we have a special relationship. We respect America and want to work with it, we also want to work with China, but do not want to be dependent on anyone.”

Macron said, “India and France are leading but America and China are far ahead of us. We want to work together on AI. PM Modi also wants to take advantage of new technology. But he wants it to happen in India as well.’

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