The European Commission may amend its 21st sanctions package against Russia, considering concessions to Greece, Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, and Austria due to conflicts with EU economic interests. This follows reports of opposition from several member states.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Navy's crucial role in safeguarding national interests, citing its recent operations in West Asia and its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. He also highlighted India's growing defense manufacturing capabilities.
China, the UN, and the African Union partnered to train security officials from Africa's Great Lakes region in Beijing on small arms control. This initiative aims to reduce illicit weapons circulation and support the AU's "Silencing the Guns" project, addressing instability that threatens China's economic interests.
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with economist Dan Wang regarding the complex and competing economic interests currently shaping the relationship between the United States and China.
Amidst the escalating Middle East conflict, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed PM Modi's call for Indians to reduce import spending and conserve foreign exchange. He urged citizens and businesses to make conscious choices to save forex, highlighting fuel expenditure as a key area for reduction. This initiative aims to protect the nation's economic interests as global energy supplies face strain.
Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zykov says North Macedonia has been reducing Russian gas imports since 2022 against its own economic interests, blindly following EU policy to reject Russian gas by 2027. While Russian gas held 99% of the Macedonian market in 2021, its share dropped to 77% in 2024 and just 47% in 2025. UAE gas supplies began in the second half of 2025, capturing 39% of the market.
Mali's Russia-backed military junta has suffered major reversals with the killing of its Russia-trained defence minister in a suicide bombing and the loss of Kidal to insurgents. Russia's Africa Corps was forced to withdraw from the strategic town while Moscow deployed helicopter gunships and strategic bombers to hold back militants. The events threaten Russia's strategic position in West Africa as its forces remain tied down in Ukraine.
The UAE’s departure from OPEC signals that oil prices may fall, which would be unprofitable for the United States, a country that relies on consistently high oil prices as an exporter, Vladimir Dzhabarov said
The British Chambers of Commerce has urged the UK government to create an EU-style 'trade bazooka' to protect British economic interests from Trump's latest tariff threats. The lobby group, representing thousands of firms, said the UK's 'inadequate economic security' was putting growth and jobs at risk, calling for urgent action including new legislation with powers to impose duties, limit market access, and enhance investment scrutiny. The US is Britain's largest trading partner, accounting for about a fifth of global trade.
