Commentary

The massive 50% tariff imposed by the US on certain imports from India, which took effect in August 27, has caused considerable disruptions in bilateral relations. For India, while affirming that it will not bow down to the US’s new tariff measures, a diplomatic solution is seen as necessary for the benefit of both sides and all concerned parties.

Iran has announced that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be allowed to return to the country.

The United Nations has recently warned that progress towards universal access to clean water and sanitation is far slower than required, with 2.1 billion people still lacking safe drinking water and two in every five people worldwide without access to safe sanitation services.

In recent times, the Government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made its mark with notable achievements in foreign affairs. Yet, a series of daunting challenges still surround the resident of No. 10 Downing Street. A stagnant economy, rising inflation and the thorny issue of migration are weighing heavily on the British leader’s shoulders.

President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung has recently concluded visits to two allied countries of Japan and the US. Selecting the countries as his first destinations in foreign affairs, the Korean leader affirmed his determination to reinforce Seoul’s position in the region as the situation in Northeast Asia becomes increasingly complex.

The international community has voiced deep concern over Israel’s recently approved the E1 settlement plan in the West Bank, warning that the decision poses a serious threat to the prospects of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung will visit Japan and hold talks with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, before travelling to the US to attend the RoK–US Summit on August 25.

Despite the many efforts and solutions with the joint contributions of the international community, humanitarian crises around the world are not narrowing but rather increasingly expanding. This requires the cooperation of all countries in the effort to find fundamental solutions to resolve the humanitarian crises.

Over the course of 80 years of independence and nation-building, Viet Nam has turned the impossible into possible, overcoming some of the most difficult moments in its history.

The window for negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal is closing as the parties take increasingly hard-line positions. Ten years since the signing of the historic agreement, Europe now finds itself at a crossroads: to continue pursuing diplomacy or to reimpose sanctions and increase pressure on Tehran.

The eurozone economy recorded unexpected growth in the second quarter of 2025.

International aid has long been regarded as a lifeline for many vulnerable people across the globe. However, a wave of aid cuts is spreading, threatening to exacerbate humanitarian crises.

As a sector under pressure from environmentalists and investors to take stronger action against climate change, the shipping industry is facing major challenges in avoiding “lagging behind” in the current race to cut emissions.

Nearly four decades of conflict have come to an end after the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan recently signed a peace agreement, agreeing to restore diplomatic relations and permanently end all acts of hostility.

Representatives from more than 180 countries and many international organisations are meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to develop the first legally binding international treaty on limiting plastic pollution. However, negotiations have reached an impasse as the challenge of balancing interests between countries remains unresolved.

The plan to occupy Gaza City recently approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet has “poured more fuel” onto the ever-simmering “cauldron” of the Middle East.

Mexico’s exports to the US in the first half of 2025 reached an all-time high, underscoring the country’s strong “resilience” despite mounting pressure from US tariff policies.

Efforts to pursue a green transition in the European Union (EU) have marked a historic milestone as, for the first time, solar power became the largest source of electricity supply. With the climate crisis growing ever more severe, green energy has served a dual role: safeguarding energy security and curbing global temperature rise.

August 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later is the commemoration of the victims of the second atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki.

Namibia has followed in the footsteps of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi to become one of the pioneering nations participating in the campaign on ending learning poverty for all African people.