Ukraine seeks extra $20bn in military funding as pressure mounts on Russia
Ukraine is seeking an additional $20 billion in military funding from its allies, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Wednesday, as Kyiv looks t...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he had a "very good" conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 summit in France, adding that Washington and New Delhi were working on trade agreements despite recent strains in bilateral ties.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described Modi as a "tough negotiator" and said he expected to visit India in the future.
"I'll be going to India sometime in the future," Trump said.
India has been seeking a Trump visit for months, potentially as part of a broader meeting involving Japan and Australia.
The meeting marked the first in-person talks between Trump and Modi since the Indian leader visited Washington in February 2025, shortly after Trump returned to the White House.
At the time, both sides agreed to work through differences over trade and tariffs. However, relations have since become more complicated.
Washington imposed high tariffs on Indian goods and criticised New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil. The U.S. has also engaged more closely with Pakistan, India's long-time rival, adding to tensions between the two partners.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio travelled to India last month in an effort to repair relations, but fresh strains emerged following the deaths of three Indian sailors in attacks on commercial vessels by the U.S. Navy in the Gulf.
During the meeting, Modi stressed the importance of protecting Indian seafarers working along global shipping routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
"Hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers are working across the world, performing their duties along international maritime trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and their safety is of utmost importance to us," Modi said.
Referring to the U.S.-brokered peace agreement with Iran, Modi said he was confident the issue of seafarers' safety would receive the highest priority during the implementation of the deal.
Asked whether he had conveyed condolences over the deaths of the Indian sailors, Trump acknowledged the dangers faced by maritime workers.
"It's a rough profession, there's no question about it, and we work together on it," he said. "We love all of those people, they're great people."
Trump also reaffirmed Washington's commitment to India's security.
"If they were attacked, we would be there to help them," he said when asked about the U.S.-India defence relationship.
Referring to Modi, Trump added: "If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there. Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure about it."
Despite recent disagreements over tariffs, energy purchases and regional geopolitics, the latest meeting highlighted the importance both countries place on maintaining their strategic partnership.
The discussions underscored growing efforts by Washington and New Delhi to stabilise ties and advance cooperation on trade, security and regional issues at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
Donald Trump has said the U.S. will resume bombing Iran if Tehran doesn't "behave," at the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Earlier, the U.S. President criticised Israel for its tactics against Hezbollah, saying it was unnecessary to bomb entire apartment buildings to tackle militants.
A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island early Tuesday, killing at least one person and injuring four, according to emergency authorities.
U.S. President Donald Trump said a preliminary agreement to end the war in the Gulf has been signed by the U.S. and Iran, though details have yet to be made public and both countries said a permanent truce is yet to be negotiated.
Australia's weather bureau warned on Tuesday that an El Niño weather pattern has formed in the tropical Pacific and could intensify in the second half of 2026, becoming one of the strongest events recorded in seven decades.
Pakistan's heavy reliance on imported energy was laid bare by the U.S.-Iran conflict, which disrupted regional supplies, drove up costs and exposed vulnerabilities in the country's energy security. However, a proposed peace agreement now offers hope for economic relief.
Ukraine is seeking an additional $20 billion in military funding from its allies, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Wednesday, as Kyiv looks to strengthen its battlefield position and increase pressure on Russia ahead of potential negotiations.
Polish police have launched an investigation after videos circulating online showed men in military-style uniforms patrolling Warsaw Central railway station and questioning people they believed to be foreigners.
The Netherlands has announced a new €500 million military support package for Ukraine, focused on drones and air defence systems, as Western allies intensify efforts to strengthen Kyiv's position in its war against Russia.
China has condemned new UK sanctions against two Chinese companies accused of supplying materials used by Russia's military, calling the measures illegal and warning of possible retaliation if they are not lifted.
The UK has secured more than £1.3 billion in new international investment for battery storage, energy infrastructure and technology projects, with major commitments from companies based in France and India.
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