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India will host the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 14–15, says Spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday. BRICS brings together 11 major emerging markets and developing countries of the world – Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It serves as a “useful platform” for consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues having global as well as regional significance, and issues of global political and economic governance. Indian High Commission hosts interaction with media delegation after India visit The meeting will be chaired by External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar, Jaiswal said in a regular media briefing in New Delhi. He said BRICS Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation from member and partner countries will participate in the meeting. They will also call on Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. During the meeting, they will exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. On the second day, BRICS member and partner countries will participate in a session themed "BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” This will be followed by a session on the "Reforms of Global Governance and Multilateral System.” The BRICS Foreign Ministers held their last meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) on 26 September 2025. The meeting was chaired by India in its capacity as the incoming BRICS Chair for 2026. BRIC was formalised at the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in 2006. The inaugural BRIC Summit was convened in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York in 2010. Accordingly, South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE became full member of BRICS in January 2024 and Indonesia in January 2025. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam joined BRICS as partner countries in 2025.

The global shipping industry is facing growing concerns over fuel shortages after the war involving Iran disrupted supplies of bunker fuel, the heavy oil used to power most cargo ships. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for Middle Eastern oil exports, has sharply reduced supplies of bunker fuel to Asia, particularly to Singapore, the world’s largest refuelling hub for ships. Bunker fuel is a thick, low-grade oil left over after crude oil is refined. Although dirtier than fuels used in cars and aircraft, it remains essential to global trade, helping transport around 80 percent of goods traded worldwide by sea. Industry experts warn that a prolonged shortage could significantly increase shipping costs, push up consumer prices and hurt businesses around the world. The impact is being felt most strongly in Asia, which depends heavily on Middle Eastern oil. Fuel reserves in Singapore are shrinking while prices continue to rise. According to commodity analysts, bunker fuel prices in Singapore have surged from around $500 per metric ton before the conflict to more than $800 in early May. Shipping companies are trying to cope by slowing vessel speeds, adjusting schedules and exploring ships that can use alternative fuels. However, analysts say some smaller companies may struggle to survive if the crisis continues. Henning Gloystein of consultancy Eurasia Group said the disruption will eventually spread beyond Asia and affect supply chains worldwide. Asia adopts emergency energy measures Countries across Asia have responded by increasing coal use, buying more oil from Russia and reconsidering nuclear power projects. The region is bracing for further challenges as fuel stocks decline and government subsidies become harder to maintain. More than half of global seaborne trade passed through Asian ports in 2024, according to the United Nations, meaning disruptions in the region could have worldwide consequences. Higher costs likely to reach consumers Shipping firms are absorbing most of the extra costs for now, but analysts say these increases are likely to be passed on to customers. The European Federation for Transport and Environment estimates that the war is costing the global shipping industry about 340 million euros, or nearly $400 million, each day. Risk consultancy Aon said bunker fuel shortages typically affect shipping costs faster than many other market pressures. As transport costs rise, prices of goods ranging from food and electronics to clothing could also increase. Consumers in Singapore are already feeling the impact, with ferry operators raising fares and cruise companies adding fuel surcharges. Alternative fuels gain momentum The crisis is also increasing interest in greener fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Wärtsilä CEO Håkan Agnevall said rising fossil fuel prices are making cleaner alternatives more financially attractive. The Caravel Group CEO Angad Banga said about one-third of the ships currently under construction under its management will be capable of using both conventional bunker fuel and alternatives such as LNG. Although infrastructure for LNG-powered ships is still limited, industry leaders say investment is growing and progress is being made. Banga said ship owners are increasingly willing to invest in fuel-flexible vessels, as the ability to switch fuels has become more valuable amid ongoing market uncertainty.

Ukraine’s two main anti-corruption agencies have named President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s former chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, as an official suspect in a major money laundering investigation. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office said late Monday that Yermak is suspected of involvement in laundering 460 million hryvnias, or about $10.5 million. The agencies said the investigation is still underway. Yermak, who stepped down in November, was a close ally of Zelenskyy and served as Ukraine’s chief negotiator in talks with the United States. His resignation came during a scandal that posed one of the biggest political challenges to Zelenskyy since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The investigation is a major embarrassment for Zelenskyy as Ukraine seeks membership in the European Union. Widespread corruption remains one of the key obstacles to the country’s accession. Zelenskyy did not comment publicly on the announcement. However, his press secretary, Dmytro Lytvyn, said it was too early to draw conclusions as the investigation was ongoing. Investigators suspect Yermak was involved in laundering money through a housing development project near Kyiv. His home was searched in November, but no other suspects have been identified. Yermak’s lawyer, Ihor Fomin, rejected the allegations, calling the notice of suspicion baseless and denying his client had any role in the alleged scheme. “In my view, this situation has been driven by public pressure,” Fomin told Ukrainian state broadcaster Suspilne. A decision on whether to file formal charges against Yermak could take several months. Meanwhile, fighting between Ukraine and Russia continued despite the end of a three-day ceasefire brokered by the United States. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia launched more than 200 drones overnight, damaging civilian infrastructure and killing at least one person. “It is time to strengthen our positions and force Moscow to end the war,” Sybiha said on social media. The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 30 Ukrainian drones over regions bordering Ukraine. Separately, Zelenskyy said he met in Kyiv with Alex Karp, chief executive of Palantir Technologies, to discuss expanding cooperation in defense technology and artificial intelligence. Palantir develops AI software used by defense agencies to process and analyze large amounts of data, helping improve battlefield decision-making and military operations.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure over his leadership after his Labour Party suffered heavy losses in last week’s local elections, raising questions about his political future just months after a landslide national win in 2024. Although Labour secured a decisive victory in July 2024, the party’s popularity has since declined sharply. Many within Labour are now blaming Starmer for the setback, pointing to a mix of policy misjudgments, a lack of clear direction, concerns over the struggling UK economy, and controversy surrounding some of his key decisions. One of the most criticised moves was his appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington, despite concerns over Mandelson’s past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The next general election is not due until 2029, but under UK political rules, a prime minister can be replaced in the middle of a parliamentary term without calling a national vote. Inside Labour, some believe that changing the party leadership may be necessary to restore public confidence and counter challenges from both the political right and left. “We have to change and we have to do it quickly,” Labour lawmaker Catherine West said, calling for a clear timeline to “turn this ship around.” However, replacing a leader is not straightforward. Unlike the Conservative Party, which has a history of removing prime ministers mid-term, Labour has rarely changed its leader through internal pressure, and no Labour prime minister has ever been formally ousted in this way. One possible route for change would be Starmer voluntarily stepping down, which would trigger a leadership contest. If he resigned immediately, an interim prime minister could be chosen from within the Cabinet or party leadership, with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy seen as a possible caretaker. To trigger a leadership contest, any challenger must secure support from at least 20 percent of Labour MPs, currently 81 members. More than 70 MPs have already called for Starmer to set a timetable for his resignation, reflecting growing dissatisfaction, though no formal challenge has yet emerged. If a contest is triggered, candidates would also need backing from local party organisations or affiliated groups such as trade unions. Party members would then vote using a ranked system, and the winner would need more than 50 percent support to become leader. The final decision would be formally confirmed by King Charles III, who would invite the winner to form a government. Starmer, however, has ruled out resigning, saying it would “plunge the country into chaos.” If he refuses to step down, potential challengers could still emerge. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is seen as a possible contender, as is former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who left her post last year amid a tax-related investigation. Andy Burnham, the popular mayor of Greater Manchester, is also widely discussed as a strong leadership figure. However, he is currently ineligible to run as he is not a member of parliament. Some party insiders suggest that arrangements could be made for him to return to Westminster if Starmer signals a planned resignation. For now, however, Labour remains divided, and Starmer’s position appears increasingly uncertain following the party’s disappointing election performance.

Israel is setting up a military production facility to manufacture a large number of suicide drones in response to the growing threat posed by Hezbollah’s explosive unmanned aircraft, according to Israel Army Radio. The report said Hezbollah’s attack drones have created a major challenge for Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon and along the country’s northern border. Army Radio said the drones have killed a number of Israeli soldiers and civilians in the area since the start of the ceasefire. Hezbollah has increasingly used fibre-optic drones that are difficult to detect and cannot be disrupted by electronic jamming. According to the report, these relatively low-cost drones have recently penetrated Israel’s advanced air defence systems and tested the effectiveness of its sophisticated radar network. The move to establish a dedicated production facility reflects Israel’s efforts to strengthen its drone capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah along the Lebanon border.  #From Al Jazeera

Israel’s parliament on Monday approved a bill to establish a special tribunal to try Palestinians accused of taking part in the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, with the court empowered to impose the death penalty. The bill passed by a vote of 93-0 in the 120-member Knesset, reflecting broad support among lawmakers for punishing those found responsible for the deadliest attack in Israel’s history. Twenty-seven lawmakers were absent or did not vote. The proposed tribunal would allow a panel of judges to hand down death sentences by a majority decision. Convicted defendants would be able to appeal, but only through a separate special appeals court rather than Israel’s regular judicial system. The bill also requires the trials to be broadcast live from a courtroom in Jerusalem, drawing comparisons to the 1962 trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, which was televised nationwide. Eichmann was hanged after his conviction, the last time Israel carried out an execution. Capital punishment remains legal in Israel for genocide, wartime espionage and some terrorism-related crimes, but is rarely used. Human rights groups criticised the bill, saying it weakens protections for fair trials and makes it easier to impose the death penalty. Several Israeli rights organisations, including Adalah and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, said justice for the victims of October 7 is necessary, but warned that accountability must follow accepted legal standards. Critics also said broadcasting the trials before guilt is established could turn them into a public spectacle. They raised concerns that some evidence may have been obtained through harsh interrogation methods. The legislation is separate from another law passed in March allowing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis. That law applies only to future cases and cannot be used for suspects linked to the October 2023 attack. The war began when Hamas-led fighters entered southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, but says many of the dead are women and children. Israeli authorities have detained thousands of Palestinians from Gaza since the war began. The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel says around 1,300 Gazans are still being held without charge, excluding those accused of involvement in the October 7 attack or hostage-taking.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said the ceasefire with Iran is “on life support,” rejecting Tehran’s latest proposal to end the conflict and describing it as “totally unacceptable.” Speaking at an unrelated White House event, Trump also termed Iran’s response to a US-backed peace plan as “stupid” and “unbelievably weak,” though he noted that a diplomatic resolution remains “very possible.” Iranian officials, however, pushed back against Washington’s position. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the US had made “unreasonable demands,” while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran is prepared to respond to “any aggression.” Ghalibaf said the US should accept Iran’s proposal, cautioning that any alternative approach would be “inconclusive” and could impose greater costs on American taxpayers if delays continue. Amid the diplomatic tensions, the US and the UK have imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and entities. Meanwhile, violence continues elsewhere in the region. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed four people in Nabatieh, including a 78-year-old woman and her 11-year-old grandson. The Israeli military says it is targeting positions linked to Hezbollah, which in turn claimed to have carried out 20 attacks against Israel. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher expressed concern over the escalating impact on civilians, citing more than 100 Israeli strikes within 24 hours. With tensions persisting on multiple fronts, the already fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran appears increasingly uncertain. Source: Al Jazeera  

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump are set to hold a closely watched summit, with both sides describing their recent ties as relatively stable while acknowledging that major challenges remain. Despite expectations of continued dialogue, analysts say the meeting is unlikely to produce major breakthroughs, as longstanding tensions — from trade disputes to Taiwan and global security issues — remain unresolved. “There is a shared understanding that stability in US-China relations is important, but what comes next is far more complicated,” said Henrietta Levin of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, adding that the meeting may yield limited concrete outcomes. There may be a trade deal, but not a resolution Trade tensions that began during Trump’s first term intensified last year when Washington imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing, including restrictions on rare earth exports. Tariffs escalated sharply before both sides agreed to a truce, suspending several punitive steps. During a previous meeting in South Korea, the two leaders extended the truce, with China pledging increased soybean purchases and the US reducing tariffs. Experts say a new agreement could emerge from the summit, but it would likely come with conditions and fall short of ending the broader trade conflict. “Both sides may reach a comprehensive deal, but that does not mean the trade war is over,” said Zhao Minghao, a professor at Fudan University. Analysts also note that China has introduced new regulatory tools to counter foreign economic pressure, while the US continues targeted actions. The White House has indicated plans to discuss forming a “Board of Trade” to maintain economic dialogue. China's ability to buy high-tech chips is still a thorny issue Restrictions imposed by the US on exports of advanced semiconductors and related technologies remain a key sticking point. American chipmaker Nvidia has urged Washington to ease limits, arguing that continued exports would maintain US technological influence over China’s growing artificial intelligence sector. However, observers say Beijing is increasingly focused on strengthening its domestic chip industry, reducing reliance on US technology amid tightening controls. China sees Taiwan as the ‘biggest risk’ in ties with the US The issue of Taiwan continues to be the most sensitive point in bilateral relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently described Taiwan as the “biggest risk” in ties with Washington, a position reiterated ahead of the summit. While China claims the island as its territory, Taiwan operates as a self-governed democracy. Tensions have escalated in recent years, with Beijing increasing military activities near the island. The US, while maintaining strategic ambiguity, is legally bound to support Taiwan’s self-defense, further complicating the issue. Analysts suggest that a possible outcome could involve mutual restraint, such as reduced US arms sales in exchange for fewer Chinese military drills. The US wants China to put pressure on Iran The ongoing conflict involving Iran is also expected to feature in the discussions. Washington is urging Beijing to use its influence over Tehran, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently called on China to step up diplomatic efforts, while also criticizing Beijing for its continued purchase of Iranian oil. China, however, has taken a cautious stance, criticizing US actions in the Middle East but showing little willingness to play a direct mediating role. “I don’t think China has any interest in solving the problems the U.S. has created for itself in the Middle East,” Levin, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said. A few days before the trip, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on China to pressure Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, and said that by buying Iranian oil, Beijing is funding terrorism. With multiple complex issues on the table, the summit is expected to focus more on managing tensions than resolving them, as both powers seek to maintain a fragile stability in their relationship.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said the Iran ceasefire is on “life support” after he rejected Tehran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Officials said Iran’s proposal included limited concessions on its disputed nuclear programme, but Trump dismissed it as “garbage” and said he did not even finish reading it. Speaking at an unrelated White House event, Trump said the ceasefire was “unbelievably weak” and described its current condition as being on “life support.” “I would call it the weakest right now after reading that piece of garbage they sent us,” he said, adding, “I didn’t even finish reading it.” The stalled negotiations and recent exchanges of fire have raised concerns of renewed conflict in the Middle East, potentially deepening a global energy crisis linked to the war. The situation has also kept tensions high over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Trump said he would consider suspending the federal tax on gasoline to help Americans cope with rising fuel prices, though such a move would require approval from Congress. He is expected to raise the issue during a planned visit to China this week, where he is likely to urge President Xi Jinping to put pressure on Iran, China being the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil. Meanwhile, diplomatic gaps remain wide between the two sides. Trump has demanded a major rollback of Iran’s nuclear activities, while Tehran is seeking a more limited agreement that would ease restrictions and reopen key trade routes ahead of further talks. According to regional officials quoted by The Associated Press, Iran has proposed diluting part of its highly enriched uranium and transferring the rest to a third country, with Russia previously offering to host it. However, Trump has insisted that all nuclear material be removed completely and is reportedly unlikely to accept Iran’s broader conditions, including formal arrangements over maritime control and compensation demands.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump will hold extensive talks on key issues related to China-US relations, as well as world peace and development, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Guo Jiakun said the two leaders are expected to exchange views on a wide range of bilateral and global issues during Trump's state visit to China from May 13 to 15. The visit will be the first by a sitting US president to China in nine years. Guo said Xi and Trump last met in October 2025 in Busan, where they discussed ways to strengthen communication and cooperation. He said direct engagement between the two presidents plays a vital strategic role in guiding relations between the world’s two largest economies. China is ready to work with the United States on the basis of equality, mutual respect and shared benefit to expand cooperation, properly manage differences and bring greater stability and certainty to an increasingly uncertain world, the spokesperson added.